The Healthy Diet »

Child is greatly influenced by maternal nutritional status. Physically, Psychologically and emotionally. Although pregnancy itself is a period of stress and strain. So we should be fit for facing these stresses of pregnancy. For this, the age of mother at the time of conception is very important. Mother's age should be in between 22 years to 30 years. As this is the time when a lady is matured enough to give birth to a baby. The chances of providing a mentally retarded or premature child are reduced. The other thing which is very important is the health of mother. It is seen that if mothers are weak before pregnancy, then it is very difficult for them to attain a good nutritional status during pregnancy, which in turn may affect the child. Not only absence of weakness but she should be free of infections and other diseases. Good nutritional status of the mother's body determines the success and efficiency with which her physiologic, metabotic and functional needs are met.

For pregnant mothers, nutrition is of extra importance, because mother is nourishing the child through her own body. The nutritional needs during pregnancy include the normal requirements of the mother, needs of the developing foetus, including also the uterus and the placenta. the building up of reserves in preparation for labour and for lactation. Nutritional needs differ for different people under different conditions. At times nutritional disturbances are the causative factors in vomiting, nausea, eclampsia, osteomalacia, dental carries. tetany and premature labour. Fewer complications and healthier babies result when mothers are well nourished. Under weight mothers have greatest probability of premature birth. Undernourished mothers suffer prematurity, congenital defects and still births.