Pregnancy Awareness Week –Importance of nutrition in pregnancy
Nutrition prior to, during, and immediately following pregnancy is more important than at any other time in life.
There is a definite relationship between a baby’s development during pregnancy and his/her lifelong health and the quality of the mother’s diet during pregnancy.
Why is nutrition so important in pregnancy?
Meet increased nutrient demands
Provide needed energy
Prevent or minimize common pregnancy related problems
Reduce risk of birth defects
Supply needed nutrients for baby’s growth
Ensure healthy birth weight
Maintain a healthy weight