Healthy, adequate and balanced nutrition of the pregnant woman plays an important role in the healthy development of the baby. In order to complete the physical and mental development of the baby, the expectant mother should take from a diet program prepared by an experienced dietitian from all food groups that will meet the needs of the pregnant woman and the baby in the most accurate way.
The growth and development of the baby during pregnancy depends on the daily intake of the pregnant woman. It occurs by transporting nutrients to the fetus through the placenta.
Weight Gain During Pregnancy
In a healthy pregnancy, weight gain varies between 7 and 12 kilograms on average. 1-2 kilos is considered normal in the first trimester of pregnancy. Since the baby's development accelerates in the second trimester, there is an increase of approximately 3-4 kilograms. In the last trimester, expectant mothers may gain 2-3 kilos more.
When weight gain exceeds 15 kilograms, serious discomfort may occur for both the baby and the mother. Gestational diabetes and high blood pressure may occur in the expectant mother. It may result in premature birth of the baby before it develops sufficiently and miscarriage. In addition, normal or cesarean birth may become difficult for the expectant mother due to the size of the baby.
What Should the Nutrition Program During Pregnancy Be?
The diet depends on the expectant mother's age, height, and initial pregnancy weight. A nutrition program prepared according to your starting weight and eating habits is very important for weight control during pregnancy. Approximately 12-15% of the daily energy intake is provided by proteins, 25-30% from fats and 55-60% from complex carbohydrates. If the mother needs it, the process is completed by gaining or maintaining her weight, or by losing a certain amount of weight if she is overweight.
Consumption of sugar, called simple carbohydrates, should be reduced to zero. Nutrition during pregnancy should be personalized. The nutritional status of the expectant mother and any diseases should be determined. The expectant mother should be directed to natural and organic foods without changing her taste.
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