DHA in pregnancy and lactation

DHA in pregnancy and lactation

Most rapid brain growth occurs during the last 3 months of fetal life-with the infant’s brain tripling in size by the first birthday. The researchers believe that supplementing pregnant mothers with DHA may benefit brain and retinal development in their offspring particularly if born prematurely. Docosahexaenoic acid (commonly known as DHA) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid.

They point out that supplementing from mid-pregnancy to the 34th week is perfectly safe.
After birth, from 1 to 8 months of age, DHA continues to accumulate at a slower rate in the baby’s body. After about 2 years of age brain DHA practically reaches adult levels.

Since breastfeeding is the only source of nourishment for the newborn for the first 6 months of life, it is important to ensure that the breastfeeding mother has adequate stores of DHA as well. In another study, supplementation of infant formula with DHA during the first weeks of infancy was found to improve the mental function.

Major food sources of DHA
Fishes such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel; fish oil supplements, nuts, seeds, oils like soyabean oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, flaxseed oil, eggs and marine algae are rich in DHA.However, excessive cooking of these foods may destroy DHA.
DHA is available as a supplement in two common forms:
• Fish oil capsules, which contain both DHA and EPA
• DHA from algae, which contains no EPA

Pregnancy Nutrition

 Pregnancy Nutrition

“Oh, you are expecting! Then you must eat for two!”This is a normal reaction from people when they hear of someone's joyous news of a baby in the offing.

A pregnant mother must take a balanced diet which means some or other thing from the entire food group.

A pregnant woman need 300 Kcal extra calories, 15gm extra protein, 600mg extra calcium and 8 mg extra iron. Though iron and calcium supplement is already given to pregnant women  but meeting these demands from diet is of equal importance.

Some Important pointers
As there may be a feeling of nausea, a pregnant woman cannot have a full meal at one time, so it is necessary to go for frequent light meals.

Add quality protein, calcium, riboflavin and host of other nutrients by incorporating good amounts of milk, curds,  paneer, dals, sprouts, dry fruits.

If you are a non-vegetarian, you can have egg/fish/lean chicken (twice a week).

Incorporate 3 bowls of vegetables a day, preferably one as a green leafy vegetable and a variety of other seasonal vegetables. Make a bowl of salad a part of your daily meal.

For fruits, opt for one starchy (banana,chickoo), one citrus, and one coloured / seasonal fruit.

Use wholegrain cereals like ragi flour, bajri, jowar, thalipeeth, and corn.

 ENJOY YOUR PREGNANCY

Pregnancy Awareness Week - Nutrition in Pregnancy

Pregnancy Awareness Week

 10^th feb 2013 to 16^th feb 2013

Pregnancy Awareness Week is dedicated to strengthening pregnancy education and stress important issues that promote healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood.

Pregnancy is a wonderful phase in every woman's life. Diet during pregnancy requires special attention.

The increased needs during pregnancy are graded and scientifically programmed ensuring that a mother gains a definite amount of weight (fat gain) during pregnancy such that it serves as a 'reserve' to last for the period of lactation when she has to support breast feeding for her baby

Vital nutrients for a pregnant women

B complex: Pulses, nuts, til seeds, whole grain cereals, green leafy vegetables, animal foods, milk and milk products.

Vitamin C: Amla, guava, capsicum, cabbage, lettuce, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables.

Folic acid: Greens (spinach, mint,), pulses (chana, urad, chawli, soyabean), til seeds, egg, and liver.

Iron: Sheep liver, mutton, greens (cauliflower greens, chaulai, methi etc.), pulses, whole grain cereals, nuts and oil seeds.

Zinc: Til seeds, groundnuts, almonds, walnut, fish, cheese, egg, whole grain cereals.

Selenium: Fish, chicken, egg, oatmeal, wholegrain cereals.

Have Healthy Pregnancy