NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Pregnancy

This is a very important phase in the life of women that requires care, mainly with food. 

The health of the child that will be born nine months later depends on the way it is fed, as well as on the nutrient reserves it has built up in the previous months.

For the newborn to come in full health, we advise you to have a good diet before conception.

All women who intend to become pregnant must receive nutritional guidance 4 to 6 months before conception, throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. This guidance should be individualized taking into account personal history.

The pregnant woman's diet should be varied, nutritionally balanced. There are increased needs for micronutrients such as: folic acid, iron, calcium, iodine….

Calorie intake should only increase from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. The myth that a pregnant woman should eat for two is not true, sometimes an increase of 300Kcal/day is enough, always taking into account the metabolic factors, which are different from person to person.

Breast-feeding

A healthy diet is just as important for a pregnant woman as it is for a lactating woman.
At this stage, special attention must be paid to meeting nutritional needs, as there is an increase in requirements for almost all macro and micro nutrients. It is necessary particularly attention to some essential fatty acids (fish, walnuts…), Calcium (dairy products) Iron (red meats, poultry, fish…), among others.

You should not abuse stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks and even less alcohol, as they all pass into milk.

Do not go on restrictive diets while breastfeeding, except under the guidance of a qualified professional. It is important to have as varied a diet as possible to ensure the quality of the milk.

Drink plenty of fluids: like water, natural juices…

Learn to eat during, throughout and after childbirth, Clinical Nutrition Specialist