11.5 Lifestyle affecting pregnancy and lactation
Over nutrition and lifestyle disorders begins early, even at intrauterine developmental stage. An example is the misconception that “an expectant mother has to eat for two” herself and the baby. The truth is a balanced diet of about 3000 calories per day is sufficient for her.
Excessive nutrition intake may result in enormous weight gain, greater risk of labor induction, cesarean section, higher birth weight and other complications during pregnancy and/or delivery. Higher calorie intake develops poor dietary habits and perhaps even metabolic characteristics that can have lifelong consequences. Also, poor lifestyle practices can cause mentally retarded or still born baby.
Lactating women must consume high amount of vitamin A, C, E, and certain B. Meat is considered to be the major source for saturated fat and cholesterol, it is also the most common source for easily ingestible pathogens and a rich supply of arachidonic acid, a pioneer of the immunosuppressive agent eicosanoid PGE2 [12]. In order to prevent neural tube defects, it is necessary to intake folates in required quantities prior to conception [13]. The amount of folate in vegetarian diet is quite high in comparison to a diet consisting of fast food [14]. To fight against lifestyle diseases, the expecting mother should take diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, selenium, copper, chromium, manganese, and molybdenum, etc. [15]. Prenatal vitamin-mineral formulas are advised in to meet their requirement.
There are different nutritional requirements throughout the life cycle. Over nutrition is the predominant problem in the developed countries, it has led to obesity and various chronic lifestyle diseases. Secondly, renewed focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grain, and legumes can help prevent weight gain problems and chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases. National Academy of Sciences has proposed dietary reference intake (DRI) that are specific for various stages of life. Such guidelines are not meant for people who are ill or chronically ill or those who are at high risk of diseases due to age, genetic or lifestyle factors.