Nutrition related problems in pregnancy

1.Heartburn (esophageal reflux)
The hormone progestin produced by the placenta causes muscles in both the uterus
and the intestinal tract to relax. This leads to heartburn as stomach acids slip through
the lower esophageal sphincter into the esophagus. To alleviate this problem,
- pregnant women should avoid lying down after eating,
- reduce fat consumption so that food passes more quickly from the stomach into the small intestines, and
- avoid spicy foods if they are not well tolerated.
- They should consume liquids between meals, rather than with meals to reduce volume and pressure in the stomach.
- Women with severe cases may use antacids (under the instructions of a qualified medical practitioner).

2.Constipation
This problem results due to the relaxation of intestinal muscles, especially late in
pregnancy when the foetus competes for space with the gastro-intestinal tract.
Pregnant women should maintain regular physical activity and consume more water
and dietary fibers.

3.Hemorrhoids
This is a condition characterized by swollen veins of the rectum. It is due to constipation and leads to straining at defecation. High fiber diets, daily exercises and plenty of beverages responding promptly to the need to defecate can help in alleviating the problem.

4.Edema
The hormones estrogen and progestin combine to cause connective tissues to retain
fluid during pregnancy. The usual increase in blood volume during pregnancy also
contributes to edema. Pregnant women do not need to restrict salt or use diuretics to
eliminate mild edema in the hands, lower legs and feet. Severe edema may however
limit physical activity late in pregnancy and is dangerous when accompanied by
hypertension and the appearance of much protein in the urine. Pregnant women need
to elevate their legs to control the symptoms.

5.Morning sickness
About 50% of pregnant women experience nausea/vomiting during early stages of
pregnancy. This could be related to the increased sense of smell induced by
pregnancy-related hormones circulating in the bloodstream. Pregnant women should;
- avoid nauseating foods such as fried or greasy foods,
- they should cook with open windows to dissipate nauseating smells,
- eat dry cereals or crackers before getting out of bed,
- Avoid large fluid intakes in the morning, and
- Eat small frequent meals.

6.Gestational diabetes
Hormones synthesized by the placenta antagonize the action of the hormone insulin.
This can precipitate gestational diabetes beginning in weeks 20-28 particularly in
women who have a family history of diabetes or those who are obese. It develops in
about 3% of pregnancies. All pregnant women solid have their urine or blood glucose
concentration measured at about 20 weeks gestation to monitor for developing
diabetes. If diabetes is detected, special diet and sometimes insulin injections are
needed. Regular physical activity is recommended for pregnant women with
gestational diabetes. It usually disappears after the infants’ birth but it is linked to
development of diabetes later in the mothers’ life, especially if she fails to maintain a
desirable body weight.

7.Anaemia
To supply foetal needs, the mothers’ blood volume expands to approximately 150%
of normal, whereas the red blood cells mass expands only by 20-30% above normal
and does so more slowly than the increase in blood volume. This leaves
proportionately fewer red blood cells in a pregnant woman’s blood stream. The lower
ratio of red blood cells to total blood volume is a condition known as physiological
anaemia or hemodilution because it is a normal response to pregnancy. As a result,
the cut off values for diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia are slightly lower than for
non-pregnant women. Therefore, in addition to this physiological cause, a woman
with inadequate iron stores or inadequate dietary intake of iron or folate during
pregnancy is likely to develop anaemia.

8.Pregnancy induced hypertension
This is a serious disorder that develops in 5-7% of pregnancies. Mild forms are known
as preeclampsia while severe forms are termed eclampsia. This condition resolves
once the pregnancy state ends. Its symptoms include high blood pressure, excess
protein in urine and fluid retention, kidney failure and in severe cases convulsions.
Good nutrition especially adequate calcium intake and prenatal care may prevent or
limit its severity.

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Titany answered the question on November 8, 2021 at 06:58