A GUIDE TO HEALTHY PREGNANCY MANAGING AILMENTS AND FINDING SOLUTIONS

A_Guide_to_Healthy_Pregnancy

HEALTHY EATING DURING PREGNANCY

Berivan Güzelbağ

Sultangazi Haseki Training and Research Hospital,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics ,İstanbul, Türkiye

Güzelbağ B. Healthy Eating During Pregnancy. Çetin A, ed. A Guide to Healthy Pregnancy: Managing Ailments and Finding Solutions. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.157-168.

ABSTRACT

Healthy eating during pregnancy is crucial for both maternal and fetal health, directly influencing immediate pregnancy outcomes and the child’s long-term well-being. Adequate and balanced nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting fetal organ development, ensuring maternal health, and mitigating the risk of chronic conditions in offspring, aligning with the principles of fetal programming. Nutritional inadequacies, including insufficient intake of folic acid, iron, and calcium, have been linked to adverse outcomes such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and neural tube defects.

Macronutrient balance is of significant importance during pregnancy. Protein intake is vital for promoting fetal growth and facilitating maternal tissue repair, with increasing demands in the second and third trimesters. Carbohydrate consumption supports energy requirements and stabilizes blood glucose levels, emphasizing the inclusion of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber to lower the risk of gestational diabetes. Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for fetal brain and retinal development. Seafood, when carefully selected to minimize mercury exposure, serves as a recommended source. Additionally, plant-based fats, including flaxseed and walnuts, can provide an alternative for individuals with specific dietary restrictions.

Micronutrients are equally vital, with folic acid intake reducing neural tube defects by 70%. Iron supports increased blood volume and oxygen transport, with daily supplementation often necessary to prevent anemia. Calcium aids fetal skeletal development, while vitamin D supports bone health and immune function. Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone synthesis, and deficiencies can lead to developmental delays. Other essential nutrients include choline, zinc, and vitamin B12, with tailored supplementation addressing specific dietary gaps.

Weight management is another cornerstone of prenatal care. Appropriate weight gain, guided by pre-pregnancy BMI, supports healthy fetal growth while minimizing risks like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and postpartum obesity. Monitoring weight gain at regular intervals ensures early intervention for potential complications. Excessive weight gain, particularly in overweight individuals, may increase the risk of delivery complications and postpartum obesity.

Special circumstances, such as gestational diabetes or multiple pregnancies, require customized dietary strategies. Vegan or vegetarian diets during pregnancy can meet nutritional needs with careful planning, focusing on plant-based proteins, fortified foods, and omega-3 supplementation. Cultural and socioeconomic factors also influence dietary patterns, necessitating adaptable recommendations that respect traditional practices while promoting health. Providing affordable, nutrient-dense options and utilizing food assistance programs can bridge gaps for economically disadvantaged families.

Pregnancy presents a unique opportunity to enhance maternal and fetal health through informed nutritional strategies. Regular monitoring and individualized dietary counseling from healthcare professionals are essential to optimize outcomes, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and lifelong well-being for both mother and child.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Maternal health; Diet; Food and nutrition; Dietary supplements

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