The body needs a variety of nutrients in order to run properly. While overindulging in one source of nutrients can lead to an unbalanced diet, leaving out a whole category can be equally unhealthy.
During your pregnancy, you should increase the amount of calories you eat each day by 300 - 800 depending on your weight before your pregnancy. Calories are an important source of energy, which you will need to support your own tissue growth, as well as that of your baby. You will also need to build up levels of body fat, during your pregnancy for heat, and after birth for breastfeeding.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
A good source of protein is very important to sustain the growth and help repair the fetus, placentaThe placenta is a large disk shaped membrane responsible for providing nourishment to the fetus during pregnancy. It consists of three parts, the fetal part made up from the chorion membrane surrounding the fetus, the maternal part, formed from the decidua basalis layer of the uterine lining, and the intervillous space between the two plates. It is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord and consists of tissue from both the mother and the embryo.
Its function is complex. It has been described as a simple organ that combines the functions of a kidney-dialysis machine, heart and lung machine and intravenous drip. It consists of enormous numbers of blood vessel branches that permit the exchange of nutrition and oxygen, from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus and the removal of wastes to the mother to be excreted. The placenta's remarkable quality is that it does so without the blood of the mother mixing with that of the baby.
It also is responsible for the production of vital hormones including, estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. After birth, the placenta is delivered, and is sometimes referred to as the afterbirth.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., uterus and breasts throughout the course of your pregnancy. Protein should come from animals sources such as meat, milk, eggs, cheese, poultry and fish.
Most doctors recommend that you eat about 6 - 7 ounces (168 - 196 grams) or protein each day. So, if you're vegetarian, you should talk to your doctor about alternative protein sources. Proteins containing amino acidsAmino acids are substances produced by the baby and used as building blocks in the developing embryo. They are an organic chemical compound composed of one or more basic amino groups and one or more acidic carboxyl groups.
There are more than 100 naturally occuring amino acids, of which 20 form the building blocks of peptides, polypeptides and proteins.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. are very important. Protein is broken down by the liver and converted into amino acidsAmino acids are substances produced by the baby and used as building blocks in the developing embryo. They are an organic chemical compound composed of one or more basic amino groups and one or more acidic carboxyl groups.
There are more than 100 naturally occuring amino acids, of which 20 form the building blocks of peptides, polypeptides and proteins.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. which help build tissue and fat for fetal growth.
Carbohydrates are the source of most of your body's energy. Carbohydrates are classified as sugars or starches. Obviously, starch based carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes and grains are healthier than sugar based ones.
Starch based carbohydrates also release their energy more slowly giving you a more sustained source of energy. Many doctors feel that calories earned from eating carbohydrates should form about 60% or your diet.
Ketones, which accumulate in your bloodstream if you are lacking in carbohydrates can harm the growth of your baby. So sufficient carbohydrate intake is important in preventing the formation of ketones.
Fat is a vital component in helping to build cell walls, and contributes to the development of the fetal nervous system. Fat, however, contains twice as many calories as most protein and carbohydrate sources.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
High fat intake increases risk of heart disease and some cancers. You will notice your cholesterol levels increase by up to 25% during your pregnancy which is due to your body's increased hormone production.
So don't measure your cholesterol, and don't worry about meeting a minimum Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) fat intake, because most of us eat too much fat as it is! When you do eat fats, try and eat fats, which are beneficial, particularly the Omega 3 fatty acids that are found in oily fish. Research has shown that these fats are especially healthy for developing and maintaining the fatty tissues in the brain and central nervous systemAn intricate network of structures that runs extensively throughout the body and activates, coordinates and controls all functions of the body.
The nervous system consists of two parts, the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the cranial nerves and spinal nerves.
Afferent fibers carry sensory impulses to the central nervous system. Efferent fibers carry motor impulses in the form of electrical energy from the central nervous system to the muscles and other organs.
Somatic fibers are those associated with the bones, muscles and the skin. Visceral fibers are those associated with the internal organs, blood vessels and mucus membrane. All of the functions are coordinated by a network of tiny structures including neurons, axons, dendrites and ganglia.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions..
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
