Pregnancy
Nutritional recommendations before pregnancy refer to a healthy BMI of the expectant mother and charging for at least 6 months before planning the pregnancy and in the first trimester with folic acid. It plays a major role in the conception and healthy development of the fetal brain as its deficiency causes congenital encephalopathies.
- No energy increase in the 1st trimester
- 300 calorie increase in the 2nd & 3rd trimester
- Increase calcium and vitamin D intake
- Increased intake of iron and folic acid
- Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids and iodine
- Adequate hydration & consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Avoid cold cuts, raw shellfish / fish, soft cheeses, due to the risk of listeriosis (bacterium) and non-standard honey, due to the risk of botulism (clostridium)
- Very good hand washing, vegetables, fruits and good cooking of meat due to the risk of toxoplasmosis (parasite that is excreted with cat feces in the ground and contaminates the soil, animals, etc.)
- Avoid active and passive smoking, alcohol and caffeine
Breastfeeding
During breastfeeding, the breastfeeding mother’s energy needs remain the same as in the third trimester of pregnancy. Breastfeeding is recommended for mothers for many reasons: natural weight loss of pregnancy, natural immunity of the newborn through antibodies transmitted through milk, psychological bonding between mother & baby, prevention of maternal & infant obesity, prevention of gynecological cancers, healthy development of the baby, prevention of allergies and / or intolerances of the infant, etc.
- Increased intake of water, juices and decaffeinated beverages
- Increase calcium and vitamin D intake
- Increased intake of iron and folic acid
- Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids and iodine
- Consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables with thorough washing
- Avoid active and passive smoking, alcohol and caffeine
- Avoid exercising at least 2-2.5 hours before breastfeeding
- Avoid eating soy and its products due to the phytoestrogens that pass through the milk to the baby
- Avoid cold cuts, raw shellfish / fish, soft cheeses, due to the risk of listeriosis (bacterium) and non-standard honey, due to the risk of botulism (clostridium)