Find out how nutrition helps avoid complications during pregnancy

The nutritionist explains how this type of care is important to guarantee the health of mother and child

A healthy and balanced diet plays an important role in all stages of a woman’s life, especially during periods of trying to conceive, pregnancy and breastfeeding, helping to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

According to functional clinical nutritionist Dr. Gisela Savioli, author of the book ‘Nutrition, Health and Fertility’, new scientific discoveries have revisited the importance of metabolic programming, i.e. knowledge about the impact of food choices on fertility, evolution of pregnancy and quality of breastfeeding.

First, it’s important to note that nutrition is essential during the pre-pregnancy phase, especially for those who face barriers in this area. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects 1 in 6 people worldwide; In Brazil, around 8 million people have difficulty getting pregnant. According to Dr. Gisela Savioli, a balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can improve both male and female fertility, as well as contribute to a healthy pregnancy.

Benefits of metabolic programming

Today, with the advent of epigenetics, that is, the influence of the environment on the manifestation of health or illness, it is known that even before a woman becomes pregnant, she can already make a difference in the future child through the adoption of habits and nutrition. To achieve this goal, there is nothing better than carrying out metabolic programming, in which it is possible to recover and reduce all those inflammatory pathways that damage both mother and baby.

“Metabolic programming is nothing more than knowing how much lifestyle habits, especially nutritional ones, influence the conception and gestation of the child in an environment conducive to health”, explains the nutritionist.

According to her, this should start even before pregnancy. “Even for women who are already pregnant, nutrition and habits linked to a good quality of life are also essential, since the impacts are always positive on the development and control of problems such as gestational diabetes and hypertension”, she comments .

According to Dr. Gisela Savioli, a colorful diet composed of anti-inflammatory foods is essential for controlling and mitigating problems that originate from chronic inflammation and are not always identified by tests, such as endometriosis. Furthermore, by giving the body what it needs to function properly and more optimally, the entire intrauterine environment is improved, facilitating both conception and pregnancy progression.

Eating habits during pregnancy

Dr. Gisela Savioli warns that one should never talk about diet or regimen when dealing with nutritional health of a pregnant woman. Even if a woman becomes pregnant when she is overweight or obese, sheer calorie restriction is not recommended. The objective is to guarantee a quality nutritional intake, improving the capacity of the food consumed. Even “eating for two” does not simply mean doubling what you usually consume.

“When I participate in the nutritional planning of a pregnant woman, I normally calculate 500 extra calories per day, as long as they are good quality calories and not empty calories. All so that she can accumulate a large amount of good fats during pregnancy. , in which then it will transmit this fat to the baby during breastfeeding”, explains the professional.

Integration and pregnancy

Currently one of the very well documented aspects in the scientific literature is the relationship between the consumption of Omega 3 in adequate quantities during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Natural sources of omega 3 are mainly fish. However, with individual guidance, it is also possible to supplement the substances.

“In addition to omega 3, I also discuss with pregnant and breastfeeding women the importance of vitamin D3, a hormone we obtain through adequate sun exposure and supplementation. Having optimized doses of vitamin D3 is important for all stages of development, and it is essential to discuss the topic with the healthcare professional who provides prenatal care”, concludes Dr. Gisela Savioli.

By Yasmin Santos

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.