In: Biology
Discuss the physiological basis for nutrient requirements from pregnancy through the toddler years.
"Infants have to be given only mothers breast milk untill their
6 months of age" is the guideline given by the World health
organisation. Breastfeeding provides all of the nutrients that a
newborn requires and gives a child the best start to a healthy
life.
Pregnancy begins with the first trimester (weeks one to week
twelve), extends into the second trimester (weeks thirteen to week
twenty-seven), and ends with the third trimester (week twenty-eight
to birth). A pregnant woman’s nutritional choices affect not only
fetal development, but also her own health and the future health of
her newborn.
Many physiological changes of the growing baby occur during
infancy. The developmental milestones after delivery include
sitting up without support, learning to walk, teething, and
vocalizing among many, many others. All of these changes require
adequate nutrition to ensure development at the appropriate rate.
Major physiological changes continue into the toddler years.
children are entirely dependent on parents or caregivers for
nutrients. Parents also help to establish a child’s eating habits
and attitudes toward food. So, adults must be mindful of the
choices they make and how those choices influence a young child’s
development, health, and overall well-being.
In the earliest days of pregnancy, major changes begin to occur.
During this period, adequate nutrition supports cell division,
tissue differentiation, and organ development. Therefore, women who
are trying to conceive should make proper dietary choices to ensure
the delivery of a healthy baby. For both men and women, adopting
healthy habits also boosts general well-being and makes it possible
to meet the demands of parenting.
Folate, which is also known as folic acid, is crucial for the
production of DNA and RNA and the synthesis of cells. A deficiency
can cause megaloblastic anemia, or the development of abnormal red
blood cells, in pregnant women. It can also have a profound affect
on the unborn baby. So, folate intake has the greatest impact
during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. Inadequate folic acid
can result in birth defects, such as spina bifida, which is the
failure of the spinal column to close.
If a pregnant woman does not gain enough weight, her unborn baby
will be at risk. Poor weight gain, especially in the third
trimester, could result not only in low birth weight, but also
infant mortality and intellectual disabilities. Pregnant women of
normal weight should gain between 25 and 35 pounds in total through
the entire pregnancy. As a mother’s body changes, so do her
nutritional needs. Pregnant women must consume more calories and
nutrients in the second and third trimesters than other adult
women. pregnant women should choose a high-quality, diverse diet,
consume fresh foods, and prepare nutrient-rich meals. So,
nutrient-dense foods, which are higher in proportion of
macronutrients and micronutrients relative to calories, are
essential to a healthy diet.
consumption of alcoholic beverages must be avoided because it
results in a range of abnormalities that fall under the umbrella of
fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Pregnant women should also limit
caffeine intake.
during pregnancy, it is always important to avoid consuming
contaminated food to prevent food poisoning.
Healthy infants grow steadily, but not always at an even pace. An infant may require feedings eight to twelve times a day or more in the beginning. After six months, infants can gradually begin to consume solid foods to help meet nutrient needs. Energy needs relative to size are much greater in an infant than an adult. The dietary recommendations for infants are based on the nutritional content of human breast milk. Almost all of the nutrients that infants require can be met if they consume an adequate amount of breast milk.