Nutritional essentials to support pregnancy and infant health

Pregnancy is the physiological process that begins with the implantation of a fertilized ovum and typically spans approximately 40 weeks. Pregnant women have increased nutritional requirements and supplementation with specific nutrients has been shown to improve foetal and maternal outcomes.

Nutrients for foetal health outcomes

Neural Tube defects

Folate needs to be taken for at least three months prior to conception for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). Low vitamin B12, choline and copper levels in pregnant women are associated with a higher risk of NTDs. High levels of folic acid have also been shown to reduce the rate of pre-term labour and early onset of preeclampsia. Supplementation for greater than six months during pregnancy is associated with a significantly lower risk of postnatal depression

Growth and development

Folate, zinc, selenium and vitamin A (beta-carotene) are required for healthy embryonic development and foetal growth. In addition, low copper and vitamin D can impair growth and are associated with skeletal issues in offspring. Iron supplementation may reduce the risk of low birth weight.

Neuro-development

Iron, choline, iodine., copper zinc and vitamin B12 deficiencies may delay neonatal development and increase the risk of neurological abnormalities in offspring. Interesting and timely to note, that folic acid and vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of autism and ADHD development.

Nutrients for maternal health outcomes

Preeclampsia

Low vitamin D status is an independent risk factor for preeclampsia, while high choline and manganese intake may lower the risk. High doses of folic acid have also been shown to reduce the risk of early onset preeclampsia.

Post-natal Depression

As mentioned above folic acid supplementation is associated with a significantly lower reis of post-natal depression. low zinc levels are linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression both pre and postnatally. Vitamins B2 and B6 may also offer protection.

Thyroid Dysfunction

An iodine deficiency can potentially lead to hypothyroidism in both mother and the foetus, leading to severe consequences for foetal development. Given that selenium is required to covert T4 to T3, a deficiency can exacerbate hypothyroidism. And of course, zinc, vitamin D and iron are also required for healthy thyroid function.

Miscarriage risk.

A deficiency in CoQ 10, B6, copper, iodine, selenium, zinc and beta-carotene may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Gestational Diabetes

Given their role in glycemic control, chromium and inositol may offer protective effects, and supplementation with zinc may also improve insulin sensitivity in patients with gestational diabetes. Vitamin D and selenium have been associated with gestational diabetes prevalence. Vitamin B1 is required during glucose metabolism, a deficiency results in impaired production and secretion of insulin and may increase the risk of maternal gestational diabetes and low birth rate.

A lot of information to process, but many reputable companies make excellent prenatal formulas which contain the correct amount of the abovementioned vitamins and minerals crucial to a comfortable pregnancy and favourable birth outcomes.