Prenatal and postnatal nutrition guidance
Nutrition is critical to lower any risk during pregnancy and birth. Healthy nutrition is important for all stages of a woman’s life, but nutrition during pregnancy and the postnatal period can be considered particularly important as both mother and baby are affected. From nutrients given to children for the best start in life, to solutions that support new mothers in postnatal recovery, there are a range of differing requirements for manufacturers to consider.
Just as women create plans to guide them through pregnancy and birth, they should be encouraged to think about postnatal care too. This stage includes breastfeeding for many women, which means additional nutrients and calories are needed to support the health of both mother and baby. Many readily available prenatal supplements can also be helpful in replenishing nutrients passed through breastmilk following birth. However, a breastfeeding mother has very specific nutritional needs.
Nutrition guidance:
Poor nutrition in pregnant women may lead to the delivery of low birth weight babies.
Improving the nutritional status and maternal weight can have a great positive effect on the birth outcome.
For a mother to be, a weight gain of around 11 to 16 kg is considered good during pregnancy.
A nutritious, well-balanced diet includes, foods rich in protein, dairy foods (which supply calcium), starchy foods, and plenty of fruit and vegetables that supply vitamins and fiber.