THE UNHEALTHY NUTRITION OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND ITS EFFECTS

Abstract

Enviromental chemicals or an inadeqate diet of the future mother can have serious consequences on the baby’s health.

Maternal obesity is linked with abortion, stillbirth, preterm delivery as well as an increased rate of birth defects. Studies suggest that the exposition to trans fatty acids (TFA) during gestation and lactation can have harmful consequences to the offspring in adulthood such as predisposition to develop cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

It is well-known that fish is very nutritious and important to be consumed by general public as well as by pregnant women. Unfortunately, fish can also have some unhealthy contaminants, such as mercury, a contaminant that can affect especially the nervous system of the fetus.

Smoking during pregnancy is harmful and can lead to abortion in the first trimester, premature placenta abruption, preterm delivery, stillbirth, decreased birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome

Alcohol can cross the placental barrier, thus entering the fetus’ bloodstream. The Fetal Alcoholic Syndrom (FAS) consists of birth defects that occur in the womb as a result of alcohol exposure before or during pregnancy.

There has been no evidence of the teratogenic effect of caffeine yet, still pregnant women are advised to be cautious when consuming caffeine-containing foods and drinks, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Additives can be found in most aliments but their safety takes on new importance when referring to pregnant women: some may contribute to water retention (Monosodium Glutamate), others may deplete the body of vitamins or increase some digestion problems that pregnant women experience (Olestra).

During pregnancy, all actions that the future mother take reflect on the fetus. One way of having a healthy child and improving one’s own health is to have a healthy diet.