Modifying Maternal Diet for Birth Defect Prevention
The maternal diet before or during pregnancy needs to be healthy and well-balanced, to prevent any congenital disabilities. There are certain nutrients that have to be included in an expectant mother’s diet to ensure that the unborn child will be healthy.
Research also reveals that a healthy maternal diet during pregnancy could also help alleviate the common pregnancy symptoms like constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Because of this, expectant mothers or those who are planning to get pregnant should understand why the maternal diet should be taken seriously.
Effects of Unhealthy and Inadequate Maternal Diet
The following are some of the effects of poor maternal diet on the baby:
- Neural tube defects
Abnormalities of the spinal cord, spine, and the brain are referred to as neural tube defects. This condition occurs during the first month of pregnancy, even before the woman knows that she is pregnant. Two of the most common neural tube defects include anencephaly and spina bifida.
- Congenital heart disease
This condition is due to the abnormal or incomplete development of the child's heart while in the mother’s womb.
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)
CDH is the malformation of the diaphragm wherein the abdominal organs are displaced, causing pressure on the chest cavity. This results in the improper development of the lungs.
- Cleft palate
Cleft lip or cleft palate happens when the tissue surrounding the child’s mouth and face do not properly merge, thereby leaving an opening.
Essential Nutrients Which Makes-Up a Healthy Diet
To prevent the effects of poor maternal diet on the baby, those who are planning to get pregnant should ensure that they follow a healthy diet packed with nutrients that they need. Here are some vitamins and minerals that should be included in a woman’s diet:
- Protein
Adequate protein intake is crucial for the proper growth and development of fetal tissues, as well as the brain. Protein is also essential in increasing the blood supply.This will ensure that the baby is getting enough blood.
- Calcium
This nutrient is needed for the development of the child’s bones and teeth, as well as the proper regulation of body fluids. Calcium also helps in the development of healthy muscles, nerves, and heart.
- Iron
Iron, together with water, sodium, and potassium helps ensure sufficient blood supply for both the mother and the child.
- Folate
Folate or folic acid has an enormous impact on the prevention of neural tube defects.
A healthy maternal diet during pregnancy may be acquired through the daily food that the mother takes. For those who want to be sure that they are taking sufficient vitamins and minerals, the use of supplements like Organic and Kosher Certified Freeze Dried PURE Soursop - Graviola Capsules ( also known as Graviola - Soursop - Guanabana and Guyabano) may be necessary.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.