You probably already know that good nutrition is vital to your growing baby. The foods you eat nourish your baby and provide nutrients needed for organ and tissue growth. Did you know that nutrition before pregnancy is critical to your baby’s health?
There have been studies to show the diet of the mother impacts the baby as early as at the time of fertilization and in the early weeks of pregnancy. These studies resulted in the current guidelines which suggest women get extra folic acid and take vitamin supplements if they are trying to conceive.
Newer studies have shown the impact of the mother’s diet may start even earlier than at the time of fertilization. One study published in the Journal of Physiology shows that the diet of the mother is important for the health of her children before they are conceived.
Protein was one nutrient tested in this study. In the study, mice were fed diets low in protein. The mice were then mated to determine if there was an effect on the babies. Researchers found the mice born to mothers fed a diet low in protein suffered from problems such as hypertension, abnormal kidneys, blood vessels that failed to function properly and reduced activity levels.
Protein is an important nutrient for human babies as well. Of course it is difficult to use human subjects on a study such as this. It would be considered unethical to subject infants to possible long term damage or harm in the interest of science. We do know that protein is vital for the growth of tissues and the development of every system of the body.
The best thing you can do to ensure a healthy baby is to eat a healthy diet in the months prior to conception. Health care providers offer information on nutrition in preconception visits. If you are considering a pregnancy in your future, call your health care provider and schedule a check up.
In the meantime, eat a healthy diet. Include protein, iron, calcium and fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors every day to ensure a wider range of vitamins and nutrients.
Related Articles:
What to Expect in Preconception Counseling
Changes to Make in Your Diet Now