Insight into Maternal Health and Nutrition throughout Pregnancy

Abstract

Nutrition is crucial throughout pregnancy to ensure optimal mother health. Pregnant women are advised to follow a diet that is abundant in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Additionally, it is recommended that they take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure sufficient consumption of iron and folic acid. Maternal weight gain is an essential physiological alteration that occurs during pregnancy. Curiously, the combined weight of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid constitutes less than 50% of the overall weight gained. Pregnancy is a phase characterized by fast development and cellular specialization, occurring in both the mother and the developing child. Maternal micronutrient deficiency increases the likelihood of a woman experiencing negative health effects, such as infection, preeclampsia/eclampsia, and bad pregnancy outcomes like premature birth and intrauterine development retardation.