WHAT IS PREGNANCY?

Pregnancy is also known as gestation, which is a period of around 9 months, during this period unborn baby develops in the uterus. On average, full-term pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks (280 days), it may last for about 294 days also. Additional foods are required to improve weight gain in pregnancy (10-12 Kg) and birth weight of infants (about 3 Kg). During pregnancy, there is a different range of changes occurs in a female’s body. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters and each trimester last for around three months.

1. Trimester 1

During this period the embryo develops, this trimester takes first 12 weeks.  During this, muscles, bones, nervous system and other internal organs develop.

2. Trimester 2

This is known as the second trimester and lasts for 13- 28 weeks. During this period, the mother can feel the movement of unborn baby.

3. Trimester 3

This trimester lasts from 29^th week till birth. Unborn baby get a development of stores of fat, eye, lungs, senses of hearing & taste

QUICK FACTS

1. As per WHO, the weight of embryo 500 gm or less is a cause of miscarriage.
2. Approximately 80% of miscarriages occur during the first three months of pregnancy.
3. Abortion caused by infection is defined as Septic abortion.
4. Septic abortion is defined as abortion complicated by infection.
5. Unsafe abortion is caused by unskilled persons and by substandard medical facilities or both.
6. Avoid superstitions and food taboos.
7. Do not use alcohol and tobacco. Take medicines only when prescribed.
8. Eat Protein, Iron, Folic Acid and Calcium-rich foods regularly.

CAUSES OF MISCARRIAGE

• Sexually transmitted infections.
• Diseases during pregnancy such as Gestational Diabetes, Renal diseases, Thyroid disease.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Uterine abnormalities.
• Problems of the placenta.
• Incompetent cervix (weakness of cervix)
• Hormonal problems like polycystic ovary syndrome( PCOS), luteal phase defects
• Uterine abnormalities
• Problems of placenta

CAUSES OF SPONTANEOUS ABORTION

• Previous history of spontaneous abortions.
• Older age
• Obesity or Overweight
• Smoking, Alcohol, Unsafe drugs, Toxic substances, Too much Caffeine, Radiation

SYMPTOMS

• Missed menstrual cycle
• Headache
• Early pregnancy bleeding
• Weight gain
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Constipation
• Vomiting and Heartburn
• Cramps
• Back or Hip pain
• Anaemia
• Depression
• Tender or Swollen breasts
• Diarrhoea

Above mentioned are the symptoms of pregnancy, but one should not rely on these only. One should use a home pregnancy test or visit your Gynaecologist for confirmation.

PREVENTION OF MISCARRIAGE

There are some of the following ways to lower the risk of miscarriage:

• Regular physical activity.
• The healthy diet prescribed by your Nutritionist.
• Reducing stress
• No to smoking & alcohol.
• Medicines prescribed by your Gynaecologist.
• Avoiding polluted locality.

Rx PREGNANCY DIET PLAN

Pregnancy is a demanding physiological state. The daily diet of a woman should contain an additional 350 calories, 0.5 g of protein during the first trimester and 6.9 g during the second trimester and 22.7 g during the third trimester of pregnancy. Some micronutrients are specially required in extra amounts during these physiological periods. During pregnancy, the female’s body goes through various physical and hormonal changes and there is an increased requirement of nutrients for pregnant women as compare to other women to nourish optimally women & unborn baby both. Research studies suggest many females are not getting the required amount of protein, essential fats, vitamins and minerals. Following are the role of nutrients during pregnancy:

PROTEIN

During the pregnancy, Protein plays an important role in the growth and development of fetal tissues. It also helps in increasing blood supply to the unborn baby. During this time, ICMR recommended 83gm/day of Protein for optimal growth and development. This extra requirement can’t be met by normal food, for these Protein-rich foods are needed. Your Nutritionist can help you to meet this extra need easily.

CALCIUM

ICMR recommended 1200mg/day for pregnant women for baby’s optimal bone & teeth development.

FOLIC ACID

Folic Acid plays an important role in baby’s brain development, its deficiency causes neural tube defects, which affects the baby’s brain and spinal cord. ICMR recommended 500mcg/day of Folic Acid for pregnant women.

IRON

Iron deficiency Anaemia is very common among pregnant women. It ensures enough blood and oxygen to mother and unborn baby. ICMR recommended 35mg/day for pregnant women.

Apart from above-mentioned nutrients, there are several other nutrients; those play a vital role during pregnancy such as Selenium, Magnesium, Zinc, Choline, B complex, and Vitamins A-C-S-E-K.

Rx Pregnancy Diet team analyses actual requirements of vital nutrients on the basis of Gynaecologist’s advice,  ICMR’s guidelines and other International guidelines. Our objective is to provide science-based diet plans with our nutritional support to nourish woman & unborn baby and to support healthy delivery. For more, please contact us, we would be more than happy to assist you!