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The mother’s diet during and after pregnancy has a direct impact on the baby’s development. Speaking about this in an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Nitika Sobti, gynaecologist and obstetrician, director, Cloudnine Hospital, Gurugram, said, “The importance of a balanced maternal diet for the baby’s health cannot be underestimated, but understanding what to eat, how much to eat and what supplements to take can be very difficult for mothers-to-be. Expecting and new mothers should consult healthcare providers to tailor their diet to their specific needs, to ensure the best possible start for their babies.” The gynaecologist further explained how a mother’s diet can directly impact the baby.
Also read: Pregnant and tired? Eat these nutritious foods during pregnancy
Diet During Maternity Stage:
Poor diet during the antenatal period is associated with deficiencies of key nutrients including iron, iodine, folate, zinc and calcium in the diet. This nutritional deficiency can lead to pre-eclampsia, developmental delays, cognitive problems and even stillbirth.
Also Read: Diet Plan, Fitness Guide for Healthy Eating Habits for Moms
Diet During Pregnancy:
During pregnancy, a woman has an increased need for important nutrients for her and her baby’s health. This nutritional demand is met by consuming a balanced diet that includes foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, folate, iron, omega-3 and zinc. If the diet is lacking in any of these nutrients, the baby’s immune system and cognitive abilities may be affected. This may increase the risk of the baby developing allergies and chronic diseases.
Also read: Study: Childhood obesity linked to mother’s poor diet during pregnancy
A diet low in various nutrients:
If the mother consumes a diet that is low in nutrients but high in processed foods or sugar, the baby is much more likely to develop childhood obesity or type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is important for the mother to have a balanced diet that includes adequate supplements.
Diet During Breastfeeding:
During breastfeeding, the mother’s dietary intake can affect the quality of the infant’s milk. Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for the infant and if the mother does not consume a nutritious diet, the infant may face many problems including a weakened immune system, poor physical growth, cognitive impairment, metabolic disorders and micronutrient deficiencies.
Also read: World Birth Defects Day: Know how poor maternal nutrition is linked to birth defects
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