Relationship of Maternal Diet to Infant Health: A Reaction Paper on the article ” Your Nine-Month Guide to Eating and Gaining”
The old saying that a pregnant woman must “eat for two” is not just a myth – it is a scientific fact. However, this does not mean that the woman needs to eat enough for two adults. She does not need to increase her intake to provide enough nutrients for the growing fetus. Many women will not have to increase by much the quantity of food eaten, but they will have to increase the quality of their intake.
During pregnancy, women must eat adequately to supply enough nutrients to the fetus so the fetus can grow. Adequate protein intake may help prevent complications of pregnancy such as pregnancy-induced hypertension or preterm birth. As mentioned in the article, deficiencies or overuse of vitamins may also contribute to birth defects that’s why the pregnant mother should be cautious with what she eats and takes.
According to the article, the average weight gain during pregnancy is between 25 to 35 pounds. Weight gain in pregnancy occurs from both fetal growth and accumulation of maternal stores.
The article explained as to what these pounds are composed and to why they are important. A mother needs to have enough nutrient resources to withstand the demands of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum infant care. Foods to be eaten should represent the food groups in a food pyramid like vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, meat, milk, bread, and eggs. The article provided a daily food guide to ensure a balanced diet for the nine months of pregnancy. The number of servings and amount of food are also indicated to ensure that mothers are able to meet the daily dietary allowances needed.
In this light, health teachings to mothers are important during this period.
Health teachings will help them become aware of the essential nutrients they need and the harmful drugs that they should avoid. It is through health teachings that they are reminded that a healthy baby starts with having a healthy diet and right exercise for the mothers.