The Importance of Prenatal Nutrition

You know that nutrition is important - especially during the prenatal period? But why?

Maternal nutrition is the foundation for a healthy pregnancy, birth and baby. Pregnancy nutrition has an effect on everything! Wouldn't you agree?

No test can do for your baby what you can through your diet. There are no doubts that the most important aspect of prenatal health care is prenatal nutrition.

Sound nutrition during pregnancy is the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy and birth. Truly, it is even more than that, it is the foundation of a healthy life...for a lifetime!

It is also the foundation for healthy communities, a healthy country and a healthy world.

Do you think this is crazy?

Even the AMA (American Medical Association) - which is by no means proactive nor attached to natural means of health care - has stated:

Prenatal Nutrition: Nutrition and Medical School

In medical school, doctors' training in nutrition is nonexistent. Dr. Michelle Harrison, a family physician in Cambridge, Mass., told about her lack of training, she said:

In comparison, a veterinarian's studies are based on nutrition. Most pet owners cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on the health of their animals. Veterinarians know therefore that a wholesome diet is their first line of defense. Incidentally, in the US, it is sad to say that most pets eat better than their owners.

Prenatal Nutrition and Your Baby

Maternal nutrition does affect the health of your baby not only short term but also long term. Anything that goes into your mouth - we can even say whatever does not go into your mouth and should - will affect your growing baby...

...sometimes forever.

We are not trying to make you feel guilty. Not many people have a pristine diet. Yet you must be aware that pregnancy nutrition is vitally important.

Appropriate weight gain is imperative. We understand that in a culture where you are supposed to look like air brushed models, seeing your body growing with the new life inside is not always exciting. Seeing fat deposited at lightning speed is no fun we agree. We'd have to be crazy to enjoy it. We are not crazy and neither are you.

But,...it does serve a purpose and is essential to your health, the health of your baby and the establishment of a successful breastfeeding relationship.

Bad prenatal nutrition can result in the following:

Stillborn babies

Low birth weight

Premature babies

Brained damaged babies

Less intelligent babies

Hyperactive babies

Infection prone babies

The health of the membranes - aka the "bag of waters."

Prenatal nutrition affects the health and strength of your placenta and your baby's umbilical cord

Natural Pregnancy Tip from Alisha

A healthy umbilical cord can save your baby's life. When Johnathan was born we discovered that he had a true knot is his cord. Thanks to a healthy diet, he had a very healthy, thick cord that could not tighten, therefore he was able to survive!!! Do not ever underestimate the power of maternal nutrition during pregnancy! Note: A true knot is when there is an intertwining of a segment of umbilical cord. A true knot is commonly formed by the baby slipping through a loop of the cord early in the pregnancy. True knots can be fatal.

Prenatal Nutrition and You

Yes, pregnancy nutrition also affects you!

Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy has a direct correlation on the principal maternal killers:

Toxemia

Hemorrhage

Infection

Obstetrical administered drugs: A well fed mother will labor more effectively and will require less medications, if any.

What Does "Good" Nutrition During Pregnancy Mean

Do not be deceived, eating well is not just putting food into one's mouth.

Case in point, the U.S. is the fattest nation on the planet yet it is the most malnourished.

Your food choices, as well as their quality, are major factors. As you know, most of our food supply has little, if any, nutritional value either because:

it is overly processed,

the nutrients are missing from the soil,

our produce is green harvested.

Note that even organic produce - which is certainly a great choice - is only guaranteed to be grown without chemicals, not to have a specific nutritional content.

They too are green harvested and some are indeed processed as well. The U.S. government has known since the beginning of the 20th century that our ground was depleted of any essential nutrients. Simply eating well is no longer enough in order to maintain health.

Even the AMA recommends that everyone supplements. But be aware, the quality of your supplements is extremely important. Why waste your hard earned money? And often, sadly, with supplements you do get what you pay for.

You are well aware of vitamins since they have a long history. However, for optimal health, you need more than just vitamins. Many other nutrients are essential to your - and therefore - your baby's health.

Vitamins

Minerals

Fat

Sugars

So what is good prenatal nutrition?

Most midwives - and some doctors - will recommend the "Brewer Pregnancy Diet" and for good reasons: It has been around for decades and has proven itself over and over in scientific studies.

Blessings to you.