Folic acid is a B vitamin that is also known as folate. Before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, you need 0.4 milligrams (or 400 micrograms) of folic acid daily in order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. All women of childbearing age should take a multivitamin supplement containing 0.4 milligrams of folic acid a day.Women who have had a child with a neural tube defect or who are taking certain drugs need much higher doses of folic acid—4 milligrams daily. Women who need 4 milligrams should take folic acid as a separate supplement, not as part of a multivitamin.
The iron in red blood cells helps carry oxygen to your organs, tissues, and baby. Women need more iron in their diets during pregnancy to support the growth of the baby and to produce extra blood.The recommended daily amount of iron you should consume while pregnant is 27 milligrams, which can be found in most prenatal vitamin supplements. Women who do not have enough iron stored in their bodies before pregnancy may develop anemia. Some women may need extra iron in the form of an iron supplement.
How much weight you gain during pregnancy depends on your weight before pregnancy. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Women with a normal BMI before pregnancy should gain between 11 to 14 kg during pregnancy.
Overweight and obese women are at increased risk of several pregnancy problems. These problems include gestational diabetes (this is very interesting to know more about gestational diabetes), high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Babies of overweight and obese mothers also are at greater risk of certain problems, such as congenital abnormalities, macrosomia with possible birth injury, and childhood obesity. For women with a BMI of 30 or greater, a weight gain of between 5 to 9 kg is recommended during pregnancy. For women with a BMI of 40 or greater, a modest weight loss during pregnancy may be recommended.
Moderate caffeine intake does not appear to lead to miscarriage or preterm birth. It is not clear whether caffeine increases the risk of having a low birth weight baby. Excess caffeine can interfere with sleep and contribute to nausea and light-headedness. It also can increase urination and lead to dehydration.
If you are a vegetarian, you will need to plan your meals with care to ensure you get enough protein. You will probably need to take supplements, especially iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
Listeriosis is an illness caused by bacteria that can occur in unpasteurized milk and soft cheese. When a pregnant woman is infected, the disease can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.To prevent listeriosis, wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before using them.
While you are pregnant, do not eat the following foods:
• Unpasteurized milk or soft cheeses
• Raw or undercooked food
During pregnancy, some women feel strong urges to eat non-food items.This condition is called pica. Pica can be harmful to your pregnancy. It can affect your intake of nutrients and can lead to
constipation and anemia. Talk with your doctor if you have any of these urges.
Glossary
Anemia: Abnormally low levels of blood or red blood cells in the bloodstream. Most cases are caused by iron deficiency, or lack of iron.
ongenital: Refers to a condition that is present in a baby when it is born.
Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that arises during pregnancy.
Macrosomia: A condition in which a fetus grows very large.
Pica: The urge to eat nonfood items.
Preeclampsia: A condition of pregnancy in which there is high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
Take care of your unborn baby
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these blogs is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained doctor/health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic expert, call us or e mail.
Dr Unnati Chavda
(Promoting pregnancy wellness)
www.ayurvedapanchkarma.in
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