Is exercise harmful during pregnancy?
Daily moderate exercise for 30 minutes or more is safe and beneficial during
pregnancy, and is associated with fewer symptoms during the latter stages of
pregnancy, shorter labour, and a reduced risk of a large-for-gestational-size
infant. In addition, women who exercise during pregnancy may reduce their risk
of developing gestational diabetes mellitus. Strenuous physical activity should
be avoided as it can be detrimental to both mother and foetus and may be
associated with a lower birth weight.
Do I need to change my lifestyle?
Research shows that smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs during
pregnancy, regardless of the frequency or quantity of use, can cause health
problems for the foetus.
Are coffee and tea safe?
Moderate consumption of less than 200mg/day (1-2 cups of tea or coffee) has
not been associated with clinically important adverse foetal effects, however
consuming over 200mg/day is associated with a significant increased risk of
miscarriage. High maternal doses of caffeine throughout pregnancy have also
resulted in symptoms of caffeine withdrawal in newborn infants.
What is a safe level of alcohol?
The WHO suggests that there is no safe level or drinking alcohol during
pregnancy – the safest approach is therefore not to consume any alcohol at all.
Any alcohol consumed during pregnancy crosses the placenta and can cause
bleeding, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
Smoking
The substances inhaled from smoking reduce oxygen availability to the baby,
affect the baby’s growth and development, and increase the risk of low birth
weight, premature birth, spontaneous abortion and SIDS. Children affected are
also more likely to suffer from asthma and respiratory infections.
back to top ∆
Is it necessary to supplement during my pregnancy?
Studies suggest that the use of multinutrients during the preconception
period and pregnancy has been linked with healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Multivitamin supplements provide protection against the likelihood of congenital
abnormalities such as neural tube defects, cardiovascular anomalies, oral cleft,
urinary tract abnormalities, congenital hydrocephalus and limb defects.
back to top ∆
Are herbs safe in pregnancy?
In a study reviewing herbal medicine use during pregnancy in a group of
Australian women, 36% of women took at least one herbal supplement during their
current pregnancy. As with any medication given during pregnancy, the potential
benefit to risk must be weighed. The following herbs have historical use during
pregnancy:
- Rubus idaeus (Raspberry leaf)
Traditionally used throughout pregnancy, raspberry leaf is mainly used to
strengthen and tone the uterus prior to birth. Anecdotal reports have
suggested that uterine contractions during labour may be more coordinated
after ingestion of raspberry leaf during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
- Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
Ginger is commonly used to relieve nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Several
small clinical trials show that taking a supplement of ginger 250mg four
times daily (1g per day) reduces pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting more
effectively than placebo. Clinical research in pregnant women suggests that
ginger can be used safely for morning sickness without harm to the foetus.
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry)
Given the evidence to support the use of cranberry for UTIs and its safety
profile, cranberry supplementation as fruit or fruit juice may be a valuable
therapeutic choice in the treatment of UTIs during pregnancy.
- Echinacea spp.
There is good scientific evidence from a prospective cohort study that oral
consumption of Echinacea during the first trimester does not increase the
risk for major malformations. Oral consumption of Echinacea in recommended
doses is considered safe for use during pregnancy.
back to top ∆
Are essential oils safe in pregnancy?
Aromatherapy may be helpful during childbirth to relieve anxiety, pain,
nausea, and/or vomiting or to strengthen contractions. It may also reduce pain
perceived by first-time mothers. Some essential oils can trigger menstruation
and uterine contractions and therefore should not be used by pregnant women. If
pregnant, women should always check with a professional aromatherapist before
using any essential oils. back to top
∆ |
|
 Am I eating for two?
A number of studies have reported an association between poor maternal diet
and a greater risk of pregnancy complications.
The best sources of vitamins and minerals come from a healthy balanced diet
comprising whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, good quality protein and
dairy products. Intake of omega-3 fatty acids should be increased while
trans-fatty acids, cured and smoked meats should be avoided. Regular consumption
of oily fish or supplementation with onega-3 fatty acids results in an increased
circulating maternal DHA status during pregnancy and at term.
Although it is important to avoid an excess of calories, it is just as
important to avoid depriving oneself. Deficient maternal food intake can affect
foetal development and lead to specific disease states later in life. For
example, hypertension and coronary artery disease have been linked to
insufficient maternal food intake before and during pregnancy.
An additional 300kcal per day is recommended during the second and third
trimesters. On this diet, a woman at 90-110% of standard weight at conception
should gain approximately 12kg, increasing by approximately 400g per week during
the second and third trimester.
An increase in carbohydrate consumption is preferred during pregnancy and
lactation, because the foetus and mammary glands tend to use glucose. Additional
protein is also required for deposition in foetal, placental, and expanding
maternal tissues. The mother and foetus accumulate approximately 1kg of protein
in total during pregnancy.
back to top ∆ |
