Nutrition in Pregnancy: Optimising Maternal Diet and Fetal Adaptations to Altered Nutrient Supply

Abstract

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy, and how this impacts placental and fetal growth and metabolism, is of considerable interest to women, their partners and their health care professionals.[...]

The Maternal Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy

“…The typical Western diet consists of excessive processed foods, dietary fat and sugars (Morrison & Regnault, 2016). Such a diet promotes excess weight gain and a dysbiotic gut and is associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes (Dunlop et al, 2015; Morrison & Regnault, 2016).…”

“…The typical Western diet consists of excessive processed foods, dietary fat and sugars (Morrison & Regnault, 2016). Such a diet promotes excess weight gain and a dysbiotic gut and is associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes (Dunlop et al, 2015; Morrison & Regnault, 2016). Conversely, certain dietary nutrients, namely low-fat protein (for instance beans, skinless chicken, lean beef), organic proteins and produce (which reduces exposure to dietary antibiotics and pesticides), unsaturated fatty acids (for instance in canola and olive oils, flaxseeds, and salmon), whole grains, and certain strains of probiotics have been found to promote a healthy gut microbiome, enhance intestinal integrity and reduce excessive systemic inflammation (Griffin, 2015; Kashtanova et al, 2016).…”

Review of the nutrition situation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

“…While the prevalence of undernutrition remains high in some Eastern Mediterranean countries, the burden of overweight, obesity and diet-related chronic diseases is increasing at an alarming rate. Factors that may play a role in modulating malnutrition include maternal health and nutrition, early life feeding practices, dietary intake and the food environment (10)(11)(12)(13).…”

The Nutritional Behaviour of Pregnant Women in Poland

“…During pregnancy, not only deficiencies, but also excessive amounts of certain substances, especially vitamins A and D, can be dangerous. The conditions for the proper course of pregnancy include the mother’s knowledge, not only of the principles of healthy eating, but also how improper nutrition can negatively influence the development of the child and the course of the pregnancy [22,23,24]. …”