Question

How does the macronutrient needs (carbohydrate, protein, fat) of the mother change during pregnancy? Name at least 2 vitamins and 2 minerals that should be supplemented during pregnancy and why.

Answer 1

The requirement of the macronutrients enriched with protein, fat and carbohydrate becomes higher during the pregnancy as well as the lactation it is due to the increase in the size of the fetus and hence the energy and the nutritional demands increases. The nutrients are transferred via placenta from mother to the fetus.

On the other hand not only the demands of the macronutrient is high during the pregnancy also the micronutrients are required at high levels like vitamins and minerals for the proper growth of the fetus.

For example vitamin B specially the folic acid, for the development of the nervous system specially to avoid the neural tube defects in the baby.

Then vitamin C for connective tissue development and the D for the bone development.

Then in minerals specially iron for the hemoglobin and zinc in the construction of the bone and DNA of the baby and the calcium for development of the healthy heart, nerves and the muscles of the baby.

Hence the Recommended level of the macronutrients as well as the micronutrients should be maintained in the pregnant woman for the best growth of the baby.