When a woman becomes pregnant her body undergoes many physiological changes. Her hormone levels change not only to support the pregnancy but also to help redirect nutrients to support the nutritional demands of the developing baby. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy is important, but the increased needs for certain nutrients might require supplementation. Failing to consume enough nutrients can lead to nutritional deficiencies that can cause health problems for both mother and baby.
Role of Folic Acid
Folic acid, the name for the synthetic version of folate also known as vitamin B-9, helps the body produce and maintain new cells. Although folic acid is important for everyone, women of child-bearing age need to be sure to consume the recommended 400 mcg per day. Once pregnant, a woman should increase her consumption to 600 mcg per day, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Folic acid supports the production of extra blood and blood cells early in pregnancy.
Folic Acid Deficiencies
A folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can cause premature birth and/or low birth rate. It also can result in neural tube defects, which can cause the spine, skull or brain to malform, resulting in permanent disabilities.
Role of Iron
During pregnancy, a woman's blood volume increases 35 percent to 40 percent, according to information published by Mary Picciano from the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements in the 2003 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition." Red blood cells contain the protein hemoglobin, which requires the mineral iron. Hemoglobin carries the oxygen to the cells throughout the mother and baby, making iron an important nutrient. Because the plasma volume increases by up to 50 percent but the red blood cells mass increases by only 15 percent to 20 percent, the risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia increases during pregnancy.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron transfer to the fetus increases during week 30, as described by research published by Lindsey Allen from the University of California Department of Nutrition in the May 2000 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Low levels of iron in the mother can lead to poor iron transfer to the fetus and lowers the amount available for the mother even more. Iron deficiency can increase the risk for maternal mortality and is associated with low birth weight and low infant Apgar scores, which indicate infant health at the time of birth.
Calcium Deficiency
Calcium needs increase during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the baby's bones and teeth. Failing to consume the recommended 1,200 mg of calcium per day can cause your body to pull calcium from your bones to use for the baby. This increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, a disease characterized by porous, brittle bones.
References
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Pregnancy and Lactation --- Physiological Adjustments, Nutritional Requirements and the Role of Dietary Supplements; Mary Picciano; 2003
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Anemia and Iron-Deficiency Effects on Pregnancy Outcome; Lindsey Allen; May 2000
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
- American Pregnancy Association: Folic Acid
- The Cleveland Clinic: Increasing in your Diet During Pregnancy
