For the first six months of a baby’s life, it is entirely dependent on the mother’s nutritional health. Pregnancy nutrition will be of low quality and quantity if the mother is underweight or does not gain the necessary amount of weight. However, if the mother is obese, it will limit blood flow to her uterus and so reduce the amount of nutrients being transported to the placenta and the baby. The mother’s nutrient requirements go through the roof at this time. Pregnant women typically gain around 10 pounds throughout the course of their pregnancy. Pregnant mothers and their unborn children are at risk if their weight increase is either low or too high (baby). Expectant women need to eat an additional 350 calories each day in addition to their regular diet.

RECOMMENDEDDIETFORAPREGNANTWOMEN

Source:-SourcedietaryguidelinesforIndians–amanual,NIN,Hyderabad.ThedietgivenisaVegetariandietforpregnant women(weighing50kg)doingsedentarywork,

DIET DURING LACTATION

A healthy diet for a nursing woman should include the same foods that were suggested during pregnancy, but in somewhat larger portions. Physical exertion and the production of breast milk need more energy- and protein-rich diets. For most women who are lactating, they need an additional 2,500 to 2,700 calories per day, depending on their level of physical activity, compared with a non-pregnant and non-lactating woman. Although a mother’s ability to make milk of adequate quantity and quality to sustain her baby’s development is very robust and resistant to nutritional restriction, breastfeeding women have higher dietary requirements due to the increased demands of milk production. Breast cancer or HIV positive mothers should discuss their newborn feeding strategies with their healthcare professional in rare cases.

RECOMMENDED DIET FOR A LACTATING WOMEN