Expectant Mother's Nutritional Status Affects Birth

When a expectant mother’s nutritional status can affect the birth. The first stage of gestation the mother must be well nourished so that the formation of the placenta will be healthy. The embryo and the fetus are major body organs that form within 2 to 3 months of conception. Nutrition at this time is very critical for the health of the child. The best action for a pregnant woman to take is to enter the pregnancy with good nutrient stores and to consume a well-balanced diet. The mother needs additional nutrients of protein,and certain vitamins and minerals to help with the rapid growth and development of the baby. Pregnant women need to sustain a increase of energy for the development of the fetus and the placenta. The second trimester a lot of the bodies energy is used to …show more content…
They need to have an extra 340 kilocalories per day in the second trimester and 452 kilocalories per day in the third trimester. Here are some food groups that offer good things for your body: grains are good source of energy, fruits and vegetables have antioxidants,fiber,water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins,meats,nuts and legumes give your body protein,folate, and iron. Protein helps with breast and uterine tissue growth. You should eat at least three servings per day. Good sources of protein are lean beef and pork, beans, chicken, salmon, nuts, peanut butter, cottage cheese. Expecting mothers need to have at least three servings of calcium per day but for pregnant teens then need to have five servings. Folate reduces the risk for neural tube defects and also you need 600 to 800 micrograms. The resting energy expenditure increases by 23% during the second half of pregnancy. Also to meet the RDAs for iodine pregnant in the US use iodized salt. Fluoride helps with the concentration of the fetal circulation so that it is ¼ of the mothers. Mothers need a regular intake of zinc to provide for the