# data[].attributes.body
http://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/gestational-diabetes
http://www.babycenter.com.au/a3542/alcohol-during-pregnancy
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-and-diet
http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/sites/default/files/Healthy%20Eating%20During%20Pregnancy.pdf

# data[].attributes.headline
NUTRITION AS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR OF MATERNAL DEVELOPMENT

# data[].attributes.subject
NUTRITION AS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR OF MATERNAL DEVELOPMENT

# data[].attributes.body
During the second and third trimester of pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body needs to increase to meet the needs of the placenta and the growing baby, who draws in iron from the mother to last if for the first six months of life. It is important to eat iron rich foods everyday such as meat, chicken, seafood, lentils and green leafy vegetables. As women no longer menstruates whilst pregnant, iron losses are reduced however getting the recommended daily intake of 27 mg a day is still important as many women become iron deficient. Iron deficiency can lead to general fatigue and weakness.

Protein is also an essential nutrient as it supports changes in the body such as increased breast tissue.

Eating foods high in fibre such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, wholegrain and water are also important for the women’s health during pregnancy to avoid constipation, which is a common occurrence during pregnancy.  i

# data[].attributes.headline
NUTRITION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR MATERNAL DEVELOPMENT

# data[].attributes.subject
NUTRITION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR MATERNAL DEVELOPMENT

# data[].attributes.body
It is very important for pregnant women to get the right amount of nutrients by eating a healthy and balanced diet from the five food groups. A pregnant women needs to boost her nutrient intake, rather than her kilojoule intake. There is no need for women to eat for two when they are having a baby, during the first trimester the mother’s energy intake should remain the same as before she was pregnant. During the second and third trimester the energy needs of a pregnant women needs to increase.

Pregnant women often suffer from nutrition deficiency if they are not eating the right amount of nutrients in their diet. This is due to the baby getting the nutrients first before they go to the mother. That is why it is so important for the mother to eat a balanced diet.

Another risk for pregnant women is gestational diabetes, which is the condition of abnormally raised blood sugar levels in the second half of pregnancy. This occurs from too much sugar in the diet and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on in life.

# data[].attributes.headline
NUTRITION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR FOETAL HEALTH 

# data[].attributes.subject
NUTRITION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR FOETAL HEALTH 

# data[].attributes.body
Listeria infection is an illness usually caused by eating foods contaminated with a bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. Healthy people may not experience any symptoms from listeria infection however the risks are much greater for pregnant women and their babies. It is of a greater danger to the baby than the mother because a listeria infection can easily be treated by antibiotics but it can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight or premature labour for the baby. Foods that should be avoided as they are prone to listeria contamination are soft cheeses, precooked or pre-prepared cold foods that will not be reheated, undercooked or chilled precooked meat, raw seafood, unpasteurised foods pre-prepared or pre-packaged cut fruit and vegetables and soft serve ice cream.

Consuming alcohol during pregnancy is also a risk factor for foetal health and it is recommended that pregnant women do not drink any alcohol at all. The consumption of alcohol increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, congenital deformities and effects on the baby’s intelligence. Too much alcohol during pregnancy can change the way a baby’s face, organs, brain and nervous system develop. This causes learning difficulties and lifelong problems with movement and coordination. The term for these problems is called foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

# data[].attributes.headline
NUTRITION AS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR FOR FOETAL HEALTH 

# data[].attributes.subject
NUTRITION AS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR FOR FOETAL HEALTH 

# data[].attributes.body
To help guard against ill health for your unborn baby, a daily intake of calcium is very important. The foetus needs calcium to build healthy and strong bones. During pregnancy the body absorbs more calcium from your diet than normal therefore during pregnancy the recommended calcium intake is the same for a non-pregnant woman (3-4 serves).

Another protective factor for foetal development is having the correct intake of folate and folic acid. This is necessary during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and spina bifida. To get the right daily intake of folate you can eat green leafy vegetables and fruit (citrus, berries, bananas) or you can take folic acid supplements.

Iodine is essential for the babies’ brain and nervous system development. Inadequate iodine intake during pregnancy increases the risk of mental impairment and cretinism in the baby. Cretinism is a condition of severely stunted physical and mental growth. Good sources of iodine seafood, seaweed, egg, meat and dairy products.

# data[].attributes.headline
Nutrition is very important for the health of both you and your
baby!

# data[].attributes.subject
Nutrition is very important for the health of both you and your
baby!

# data[].attributes.body
Nutrition is a significant determinant of foetal and maternal health during pregnancy. Nutrition can be both a risk factor and a protective factor for the mother and the foetus. Protective factors are influences that help guard against ill health whereas risk factors are influences that increase the likelihood of ill health.

During pregnancy it is important to eat a variety of food from all five food groups and eat the correct nutrients to support the health of the mother and the growing baby.