Health Problems That May Be Seen Due to Nutrition During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is undoubtedly a very beautiful and important period for mothers. Although it feels good for the mother to grow a new living thing inside her, many physical and hormonal changes occur during this process as the body changes for the development of the baby. Due to these changes, the mother may experience nausea, cravings, heartburn, constipation, edema, etc. situations may occur. In addition, these changes cause the mother to need more energy, vitamins and minerals, and these needs can be met by the mother's adequate and balanced diet.

If the mother eats too much or too little and is unbalanced during pregnancy, both the mother and the baby will be negatively affected. For this reason, some nutrition-related health problems may occur. In addition, some health problems that occur during pregnancy may require nutritional reorganization.

Here are the main health problems that may occur in the baby depending on nutrition during pregnancy:

Stillbirth

Premature birth

Physical and mental developmental disorders

Low birth weight

Meconium aspiration (a condition known as the baby swallowing his/her feces during pregnancy)

Macrosomia babies (Babies larger than normal)

So, what are the health problems that may occur in the mother due to nutrition during pregnancy?

Anemia: The need for iron mineral increases during pregnancy. If this increased need is not met, the mother will experience anemia, which is characterized by symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and lack of resistance to infections. Low birth weight babies and even infant deaths may occur as a result of anemia in the mother.

The causes of anemia during pregnancy can be listed as follows:

• Frequent births

• Pika, which is called the ingestion of non-nutritional substances (soil, lime, etc.)

• Depletion of iron stores due to miscarriages decreased 

• The bioavailability of dietary iron in the body is low (The bioavailability of iron from plant sources in the body is lower than that of animal sources. )

To prevent iron deficiency anemia that may occur during pregnancy;

• Red meat, which is rich in iron, Food groups such as poultry, eggs, legumes, and whole grains should be included in the daily diet.

• Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C (peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi, spinach,…) should be included with meals. Consuming it increases iron absorption.

• Tea and coffee consumed with meals prevent iron absorption. It should be consumed 1-2 hours before or after meals and its amount should be strictly limited.

• If the pregnant individual cannot meet the increased iron requirement with her diet, she may need to use iron supplements with the approval of the doctor/dietitian.

 

Pika: It is normal to have an increased appetite during pregnancy. However, sometimes it goes to extremes and shifts to non-nutrient substances such as soil. This condition is called pica. Pica is generally seen in young mothers who are malnourished and can cause iron deficiency anemia.

 

Bone tissue damage (Osteomalasia): During pregnancy The need for calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D, which are necessary for the construction and health of bones, increases. If this increased need is not met, calcium and phosphorus are withdrawn from the mother's bones. This condition causes the bones to soften and their tissue to deteriorate, which is called osteomalasia.

 

During pregnancy, milk, yoghurt, molasses, which are nutritional sources of calcium, are used to protect the bone health of the baby and the mother. Legumes, cheese, cottage cheese, hazelnuts and green leafy vegetables should be included in the daily diet. It is also very important to get enough exposure to sunlight, which is the best source of vitamin D.

 

Pregnancy Toxemia (Poisoning) / Preeclampsia-Eclampsia: Preeclampsia is seen after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is a complication that can cause death of mother and baby. It creates a picture in which symptoms such as increased blood pressure, proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine), impaired liver enzymes, and severe edema in the hands and feet occur. The addition of convulsions (neurological dysfunction) to preeclampsia is eclampsia.

 

Risk factors for preeclampsia; Presence of diseases such as chronic hypertension, chronic renal failure, diabetes in the mother, advanced gestational age (>40), multiple and frequent births, obesity, etc. can be listed as follows. In addition, toxemia is more common in pregnant women with inadequate and unbalanced nutrition.

 

In case of preeclampsia, the pregnant woman's nutrition should be rearranged and salt restriction should be made. The health of the pregnant woman should be kept under observation.

 

Gestational Diabetes: Glucose tolerance disorder that begins during pregnancy or is first diagnosed during pregnancy and usually resolves after pregnancy. It is defined as . Obesity, family history of diabetes, advanced maternal age, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, etc. Conditions increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes causes various problems in the mother and baby. Therefore, routine gestational diabetes testing should be performed. The most appropriate treatment method is to organize a nutrition plan under the control of a dietitian to keep blood sugar balanced.

 

Birth complications resulting from inadequate or overnutrition, deterioration of the mother's health or death

 

Digestive problems during pregnancy: Nausea, craving, disgust, constipation, heartburn, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Digestive problems such as bloating occur. These digestive problems can be prevented by simple changes in the diet.

 

• Nausea: Nausea and vomiting, which are generally seen in the first trimester of pregnancy due to hormonal changes, are caused by food intake. may make uptake difficult. Mild nausea that does not cause weight loss, fluid or electrolyte loss in pregnant women is not harmful to the mother and baby. However, if the fluid and electrolyte loss in the mother as a result of severe vomiting is not treated, it will harm the mother and the baby. Suggestions to prevent or alleviate nausea:

 

• Eat little and often.

• For those with morning sickness, foods that reduce stomach acid, such as salty crackers, dry bread, and roasted chickpeas, consumed before getting out of bed can prevent nausea. A. Also, do not get out of bed suddenly. Sit up slowly, leaning your back against the head of the bed, and then get up after sitting for a while.

• Odor sensitivity also occurs during this period. Avoid foods with strong odors that cause nausea.

• Avoid too spicy and fatty foods.

• With main meals as they will fill the stomach too much. Do not consume liquid foods. You can shift liquid foods to snacks.

• Eat your meals slowly.

• Since raw foods will tire the stomach more, the amount of salad can be reduced in the first weeks.

• Various fruit juices (such as apple, lemonade), drinks such as lemon mint tea, linden, buttermilk, and foods such as boiled potatoes, meat, yoghurt and cheese can reduce nausea.

 

• Craving-Disgust and Taste Changes: Interest in some foods due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, Situations such as extreme aversion to some foods and taste changes may occur. Extreme reluctance is harmless as long as it does not cause malnutrition and craving does not cause more food intake than necessary and does not lead to non-food substances. During this process, do not force yourself to consume foods that you disgust or cause discomfort to you.

 

• Constipation: It is the most common problem among pregnant women during pregnancy. One of the common problems is constipation. This is caused by some pregnancy-related hormones slowing down bowel movements, decreased movement due to weight gain, and errors in nutrition. Suggestions to prevent or relieve constipation:

 

• Consuming plenty of and especially warm liquids helps the intestines to function regularly. Daily water consumption should not fall below 1.5-2 liters.

• Plenty of fiber, as well as plenty of liquid, helps the intestines to function regularly. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grain products and legumes have high fiber content. At least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits, bulgur, oatmeal, whole grain bread and other products a day, and legumes twice a week. You can increase your fiber amount by consuming fruit.

• If you move, your intestines also move. For this reason, walking and light exercises will be good for constipation problem.

• Dry plums, apricots, figs or compote made with them, which have natural laxative effects, can prevent constipation.

 Drugs with laxative effects should not be used during pregnancy!

 

• Heartburn/burn: During pregnancy Heartburn/burn, one of the common problems, occurs as a result of the pressure on the stomach as the baby grows. It is especially seen in the last three months of pregnancy. Suggestions to prevent or alleviate heartburn/burn:

 

• Be careful not to consume foods with excessive sauce, cream and oil.

• Eat little and often.

• Tea, coffee, etc. Do not consume caffeinated drinks as they will cause increased heartburn and sour stomach.

• Taking light walks after eating may help.

• Do not wear clothes.

• Choose a high pillow while sleeping.

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