Nutrition and pregnancy

Nutrition and pregnancy refers to the nutrient intake, and dietary planning that is undertook before, during and after pregnancy.

Not only have physical disorders been linked with ill-nutrition before and during pregnancy, but neurological disorders and handicaps are a risk that is run by mothers who are ill-nourished, a condition which can also lead to the child becoming more susceptible to later degenerative disease(s)..

Fertility

Fertility is the ability of people or animals to produce healthy offspring in abundance, and of the earth to bear fruit.

Human fertility depends on factors of nutrition, sexual behavior, culture, instinct, endocrinology, timing, economics, way of life, and emotions.

Both women and men have hormonal cycles which determine both when a woman can achieve pregnancy and when a man is most fertile.

Gynecologic hemorrhage

Gynecologic hemorrhage represents excessive bleeding of the female reproductive system..

Food groups

The food groups are part of a method of classification for the various foods that humans consume in their everyday lives, based on the nutritional properties of these types of foods and their location in a hierarchy of nutrition.

Maternal bond

The maternal bond is typically the relationship between a mother and her child.

BRCA1

BRCA1 (breast cancer 1, early onset) is a human gene that belongs to a class of genes known as tumor suppressor genes.

Like many other tumor suppressor genes, BRCA1 regulates the cycle of cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.

In particular, it inhibits the growth of cells that line the milk ducts in the breast. The protein made by the BRCA1 gene is directly involved in the repair of damaged DNA.

In the nucleus of many types of normal cells, the BRCA1 protein interacts with the protein produced by the RAD51 gene to mend breaks in DNA..

BRCA2

BRCA2 is a human gene that is involved in the repair of chromosomal damage and belongs to a class of genes known as tumor suppressor genes.

Tumor suppressor genes regulate the cycle of cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. Although the structures of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are very different, their functions appear to be similar.

The proteins made by both genes are essential for repairing damaged DNA.

The BRCA2 protein binds to and regulates the protein produced by the RAD51 gene to fix breaks in DNA..

Tumor suppressor gene

A tumor suppressor gene is a gene that reduces the probability that a cell in a multicellular organism will turn into a tumor cell.

A mutation or deletion of such a gene will increase the probability of the formation of a tumor..

FertilAid for Women and Men are designed to promote reproductive wellness as part of a healthy lifestyle and diet regimen. For trying-to-conceive women, a healthy diet and lifestyle is particularly important, because healthy babies start before conception.

For both women and men, a “trying-to-conceive” lifestyle begins with a balanced diet, regular exercise (see your doctor regarding a safe exercise regimen), and avoiding unhealthful habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating “junk” foods (particularly processed foods rich in refined sugars). If you are overweight, consider consulting your doctor regarding a safe diet and exercise regimen that will support your trying-to-conceive efforts.

As you likely already know, eating a well-balanced diet while your are trying to conceive and through pregnancy is central to the health of a developing baby, as well as the the health of the mother-to-be. For dads-to-be, men can ensure optimum sperm health, sperm count, and sperm motility by decreasing or avoiding alcohol, not smoking, and eating a balanced diet. FertilAid for Men offers a potent antioxidant formula to supplement a healthful diet. Infertility issues strike men as frequently as women, so a healthy lifestyle is equally important for the dad-to-be.

For women, eating foods rich in antioxidants and folic acid is highly recommended, especially folic acid during preconception and early pregnancy. Foods containing these nutrients include broccoli and green leafy vegetables. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the chances of birth defects, and supplements specially formulated with folic acid are advised. (For trying to conceive women, FertilAid offers 600mcg folic acid.

Mineral deficiency may also be a concern, so eating foods that contain minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium are important. Eating a variety of healthful foods is the key. A balanced diet is important because different minerals and vitamins require the presence of each other for optimal intake. Try to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure sufficient intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The “Just Right” formula of FertilAid for Women is designed to supplement a healthful diet (and avoids potentially excessive doses of certain vitamins and minerals that can be found in other multivitamin products).

It is possible to have a healthy pregnancy after miscarriage. In fact, for most women, it’s very likely. However, this may be of little comfort if you are mourning the loss of your child. If you are pregnant again, you may be feeling a whirlwind of emotions as you simultaneously grieve for your unborn child and anticipate your new baby’s arrival.

Experiencing Pregnancy After Miscarriage

In most cases, a miscarriage is unlikely to happen again. However, many couples choose to speak to a fertility counselor. He/she can pinpoint any factors that may have contributed and determine if there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of reoccurrence.

Even if you fear the worst, it’s likely that you will have a very normal pregnancy after miscarriage. According to the American Pregnancy Association, over 85 percent of women who have had one miscarriage will be able to have a successful following pregnancy. More than 75 percent of those who have experienced two or three miscarriages will eventually give birth to a child.

Many women who have gone on to have a second child after a miscarriage say the joy of becoming a parent helps to dull the pain they feel over the loss of their first child. In fact, it’s quite common for women to consider their second children to be “miracle” babies.

Finding Closure

To fully enjoy your current pregnancy, you must come to terms with the loss you have experienced. Many women who have become pregnant after miscarriage say it helps to express their feelings through painting, poetry, music, or other creative outlets. Others choose to bury baby blankets, toys, ultrasound photos, or small mementos in a private family ceremony. You may also want to consider making a charitable donation to your favorite non-profit organization in honor of your lost child.

While there is no definite timeframe for the grieving process, it’s important to recognize the signs that professional help may be needed. If you are experiencing any of the following, considering making an appointment to speak to a qualified counselor or therapist:

* Trouble coping with everyday tasks
* Overwhelming fear or anxiety about your current pregnancy
* Feelings of guilt about what you may have done to “cause” your miscarriage
* Anger towards your spouse or other loved ones
* Extreme pessimism about your current pregnancy
* Frequent emotional outbursts
Available Support Services

Since it can be difficult for those who haven’t experienced a pregnancy loss to understand your feelings, you may want to consider taking advantage of support services designed for women who have miscarried.

Many hospitals provide support groups for women who have experienced a miscarriage. There may also be organizations in your community that can help. Your healthcare provider or your local women’s center should be able to provide you with contact information for these resources.

Maternity and women’s health care are important issues for any woman of childbearing age. Even if you aren’t currently pregnant, or aren’t even planning to become pregnant in the near future, it’s a good idea to remember that women of childbearing age have certain needs that are different from women at other stages of life.

Maternity and Women’s Health Care Basics

Since many pregnancies are unplanned, even when anticipated with joy, it’s a good idea to take care of yourself throughout your adult life in the event that you should become pregnant.

That means being aware of factors that impact pregnancy and birth and knowing about the basics of prenatal care and preconception care.

If you plan to have children at some point in the near future or are actively trying to conceive, maternity and women’s health care are even more important. Talk to your health care provider about specific things you should be doing to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Women’s Health Care Tips

For all women of childbearing age, there are certain guidelines that should be followed to give your potential baby the best start possible.

* Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit before you start trying to conceive.
* Likewise, don’t use drugs while you are trying to get pregnant or during your pregnancy.
* Eat a healthy diet.
* Get moderate amounts of exercise. The current recommendation is at least 30 minutes a day of moderate activity, but an hour is even better.
* Take a multivitamin or supplement that includes 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This can help prevent birth defects that may occur even before you know you’re pregnant.
* Get up-to-date on immunizations.
* Once you are actively trying to conceive, stop drinking alcohol.
Talking to Your Doctor

If you and your partner have decided to try to conceive, set up an appointment to talk to your doctor. He or she can advise you on the proper supplements, exercise program, and nutrition you need as you work on conceiving.

Make sure you talk to your doctor about all prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements, and herbal supplements that you are taking. Some drugs and herbs that are perfectly safe to take when not pregnant are dangerous when you are expecting.

Ask your doctor if you have any worries concerning your health during pregnancy. If you have a health condition that you think might interfere with conception or with your chances of having a healthy pregnancy, talk with your doctor about your options.

The most important part of maternity and women’s health care is that women be as informed as possible and take an active role in discovering and doing the things that are best for them and for their babies.

As you get closer to delivery, you may be wondering about the benefits of breast milk for your baby.

Production of Breast Milk

Even during pregnancy, your body is preparing to produce breast milk. You may notice in the third trimester that you’re leaking colostrum, or early milk. After your baby is born, his/her suckling at your breast signals your body to start producing nutrient-rich milk. Your baby’s cry actually signals your body’s let-down-reflex. This is why your breasts may leak when you hear a baby cry, even if he/she is not your own child. Staring at or talking to your baby while you breastfeed can also signal your body to release more milk.

The let-down-reflex is when your body releases milk. When your let-down-reflex kicks in, you may feel tingling, stinging, burning, or prickling in your breasts. Though this sounds uncomfortable, it usually only lasts for a few seconds.

Breast milk contains the perfect blend of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for your baby. It also contains important vitamins, minerals, and hormones that your baby needs for proper growth and development. In addition, human milk also contains antibodies that help your baby fight infection. For example, if you get a cold, your baby will get the antibodies you produce. When your baby is exposed to a cold, his/her immune system will be better prepared.

Nutrition Needed

If you are breastfeeding, you need to be taking in 2,700 calories a day. This is an increase over what you should have been consuming during pregnancy. You also need to be drinking at least eight glasses of fluid (mostly water) a day. If you are having difficulty drinking enough water, try to drink a glass every time you sit down to breastfeed your baby.

Additionally, you need to make sure you are taking in enough calcium, protein, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. While you are breastfeeding, you do not need as much folic acid and iron as you did when you were pregnant, though you will need more of these vitamins and minerals than before you were pregnant. If you were taking a prenatal vitamin, you should continue to take it until you wean your baby.

Benefits for Your Baby

Your body will produce the exact amount of breast milk that your baby needs. If you are eating a well-balanced diet, your body is producing exactly what your baby needs nutritionally. Babies that are breastfed develop faster, are healthier, and have higher IQs than formula fed babies. In addition, sucking on the breast will help your baby’s jaw develop appropriately and help his/her teeth grow in straight.

How does Breast Milk Compare to Formula?

The exact chemical composition of breast milk is unknown, but it contains at least 100 additional ingredients not found in formula. Experts know formula does not contain the same nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, or hormones. No babies are allergic to their mother’s milk, though your baby may be allergic to something you ate. In addition, breast milk is more easily digested than formula.

Every year, thousands of women are shocked and devastated by unplanned pregnancies. Age, finances, lifestyle, and feelings of shame or inadequacy may all be reasons these women contemplate getting an abortion. Within only a few hours, an abortion can rid you of an unborn child, allowing you to get back to your life as you knew it. Right?

Aside from the obvious moral controversy the abortion versus adoption debate has sparked, there are actually physical and medical reasons women should think twice about before having an abortion performed.

Generally, there are side effects with induced abortion (whether surgical abortion or by a pill). These may include abdominal pain and cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea and often vary from woman to woman. However, abortion can carry far more serious and harmful risks like heavy bleeding and infection, or even worse. These complications typically occur in about 1 out of every 100 early abortions, and in about 1 out of 50 later term abortions. Such complications can include:

Heavy Hemorrhaging – though some bleeding is normal after an abortion, if hemorrhaging occurs, often a blood transfusion to be performed, or even surgery to stop the bleeding.

Severe Infection – Damaging infections can begin due to the injecting of medical instruments into the uterus or even from parts of the fetus being accidentally left inside (this is commonly known as an incomplete abortion). Such infections usually require hospitalization and can cause severe scarring of the pelvic organs.

Damage to the cervix and certain internal organs can also occur. The cervix can be damaged (cut or torn) by the medical instruments and organs near the uterus can be torn or punctured. Aside from the physical inflictions abortions can cause, studies have shown there is just as much risk for psychological damage. Severe negative emotions have been known to emerge in women within days of an abortion or after several years. Such a response is a form of post traumatic stress disorder and can manifest itself through a number of physical ailments such as eating disorders, depression, guilt, or even suicidal thoughts.

 Probably, but be careful. Many women avoid all drugs during pregnancy, including caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and prescription and over-the-counter medicines, but then think nothing of drinking cup after cup of herbal tea.

Certain herbal teas can be very beneficial in pregnancy and may help to alleviate some of the symptoms of pregnancy. Many women find that small amounts of ginger tea can help with morning sickness, while peppermint tea can ease heartburn and indigestion. Slippery elm or meadowsweet tea may also aid digestion. However, it is always a good idea to drink herbal teas in moderation.

 Generally speaking, any herb which is considered fine for food use is presumed to be safe for teas as well.  All herbal preparations which are bought as tea bags from the supermarket are thought to be safe for use in pregnancy. You can also buy herbal tea blends specifically made for drinking when you are pregnant.

 It is important to steer clear of unfamiliar ingredients (such as black cohosh, pennyroyal, and mugwort, all best avoided during pregnancy). Other herbs to avoid in pregnancy include celery, parsley and sage (the latter should also be avoided if you are breastfeeding, as it may reduce milk supply). Never make a tea from any plant in your own garden, unless you’re 100 per cent sure what it is and that you can safely take it while you’re pregnant

Is it dangerous to drink more than the moderate amount of caffeine during pregnancy?

No one really knows for sure, but research suggests that consistently having more that 300mg of caffeine per day could be related to a higher risk of low birthweight, miscarriage and birth defects, such as cleft palate.

Some research has failed to take into account other risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol intake, which can also lead to complications in pregnancy, labour, and delivery. However, it still seems sensible to stick to moderate amounts of caffeine while pregnant.

What exactly does caffeine do to my body?

Caffeine is a stimulant; it increases your heart rate and metabolism, which in turn affects your developing baby. But while unremitting stress isn’t healthy, brief bouts of fetal stress, such as that your baby would feel after you drink a cup of coffee, won’t cause him any harm. It’s akin to your dashing to the bus, another situation that briefly boosts your heart rate and metabolism.

Anyone who drinks coffee regularly knows that it can be addictive and that large amounts can also cause insomnia, nervousness, and headaches. And it’s a diuretic, which causes your body to lose water and other fluids and calcium, all of which you need to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Tea hampers your body’s ability to absorb iron if you drink it within one hour before or after a meal.

Which foods and beverages contain caffeine?

Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate. Some over-the-counter drugs, including headache and cold tablets, stay-awake medications, and allergy remedies also contain caffeine. Always seek your pharmacist’s advice before you buy over-the counter remedies, and don’t forget to mention that you are pregnant.

The emergency contraceptive pill, Levonorgestrel, can help in preventing an unwanted pregnancy even five days after unprotected sexual exposure.

Professor and head of department of obstetrics and gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Sunita Mittal, says the pill, available as a pack of two, could be used as a single dose for five days to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

The emergency contraceptive offers women another method to avoid an unwanted pregnancy even after sexual exposure, says Mittal. None of the currently available contraceptives are 100 per cent effective. In addition, there could also be a problem if the condom breaks. In situations where women have been forced into sex, the pill could be of great help, says Mittal.

The pill that came into the market was initially effective only upto three days. The improved one now works uptil five days. Although, says Mittal, the earlier it is taken, the more effective it is.

The side-effects of the pill are minimal, she says. Some women could experience nausea. It can help avoid a pregnancy in 90 per cent of the users.

In a country where the ratio of abortions is 452 per 1,000 live births and a high rate of deaths due to abortions (20,000 women die annually), the emergency contraceptive pill could be a life saver, says Mittal.

Every 1.25 seconds, a baby is added to the billion-strong India. However, the National Family Health Survey had revealed that 78 per cent of the pregnancies are unplanned and about 25 per cent children are unwanted.