When carrying your child in your womb, what you eat becomes the nutrition your child receives. The fetal life-support system relies on several key organs to help your baby grow and develop in the womb. Knowing the right foods to eat to nourish your baby can ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Components
The placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac comprise the fetal life-support system, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The umbilical cord connects the placenta to the fetus and the placenta serves to support your baby with oxygen and nutrients. The placenta accepts your oxygen-rich blood to nourish your baby, then transfers the waste products back to your blood.
Function
The placenta accepts blood from your body, helping to capture nutrients and transferring them to your baby, according to Nutrition in the Womb. If your baby does not get enough nutrition, the oval-shaped placenta can grow in size in attempt to obtain more nutrients. For this reason, the size of your placenta can help your physician to determine if your baby is getting enough nutrition.
Healthy Diet Importance
A healthy diet is important before and during your pregnancy, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. When you are pregnant, your nutrition becomes your baby's nutrition. You will need to consume extra nutrients, such as iron and folic acid, to prevent birth defects and ensure your baby's growth. You will need an estimated 300 extra calories per day to nourish your baby. This can be accomplished by incorporating a few extra snacks per day.
Post-Delivery
After delivering your baby, the placenta is expelled from the uterus, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This is known as the after-birth, which is collected after you give birth.
Warning
In some cases, a condition known as placental abruption can occur, inhibiting your ability to nourish your baby, according to the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for babies and mothers. During placental abruption, the placenta peels away from the uterine wall. This increases the risk for premature birth because the baby can no longer receive a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients in the womb. If you note any vaginal bleeding, this can be a symptom of placental abruption.
