The Healthy Diet »

Vitamin 'A'
It is essential growth factor. High content of vitamin A lowers the incidence of febrile puerperal conditions. Sources are milk, yolk, cheese, butter, liver and Salmon. Fruits and vegetables provide its precursor carotene and hence vitamin is synthesised in liver. (NRC) National Research Council has recommended 2500 to 3000 I U/day.

Vitamin 'B'
Thiamine, Riboflavin and niacin promote growth of foetus and very necessary for maternal metabolism. In its deficiency, symptoms of easy fatigue, loss of appetite, trachycardia, headache, dizziness and emotional upset are seen. Concentrates of Vitamin B should be given. Serious deficiencies lead to abortion, premature births etc. Requirements for any individual are in distinct relationship to calorie intake.

Vitamin 'C'
For health and formation of new tissues, Vitamin C is very important (particularly endothelial and connective tissue). Deficiencies are manifested in capillary walls, denture of teeth, cartilage and matrices of bones. Marked deficiencies lead to intra­uterine deaths. Daily intake of 100 mg (2000 IU) of Vitamin C is required. Sources are tomatoes, fruits, black carrots, turnips, celery, onions and raw green vegetables (richest), but cooking destroys ascorbic acid.

Vitamin 'D'
Vitamin D is very essential for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Sources - cream, butter, cheese, fatty fish & meat, yolk and liver. Vit. `D' can be synthesized by the action of sunlight upon the skin. Natural sources - ergosterol or After liver oil. Excessive doses of vitamin D can be harmful resulting in over calcification of the foetal cranium, preventing moulding of head during labour and hence labour will be very painful. Vitamin D requirements for a normal body are 450­800 IU daily but pregnant must take 800 IU whether exposed to sunlight or not and she must take cod liver oil daily.

Vitamin 'K'
This vitamin has an important role in raising the prothrombin in the blood and so promote co-agulation, which may lessen the tendency to hemorrhagic condition in both mother and child during and after parturition. These are given normally few days before delivery or intramuscular injections are given during delivery.

Vitamin 'E'
It is related with normal reproductive functions. Sources are wheat, grams, whole grams, lettuce and other green leafy vegetables and meals. Considering the need for all the above nutrients and for their fixed daily requirements that what foods should be given to pregnant and lactating women and howmuch.

(E) WATER BALANCE
It should be maintained to prevent oedema as well as dehydration. So sudden gain in weight should be taken care of. Oedema leads to toxemia. Nausea may lead to dehydration. No alcoholic drinks but week tea and coffee are permitted. Fruits juices and vegetable juices are good. Plain water not too cold is also desirable. Condiments and spices should be avoided. All strong odoured food may bring nausea attack. For regular bowl enough water should be taken avoiding kidney, infection. To avoid Oedema etc. minimum of salt should be used. Also small light meals at small intervals are preferred to avoid nausea etc.