October saw the inaugural Global Congress on Maternal Nutrition organised by Abbott Nutrition.
Dr Kelly Loi, Medical Director of the Health and Fertility Centre for Women, Singapore, shared that "A developing baby's tissues, organs and systems are extremely sensitive to conditions in the womb. A lack of nutrients or an oversupply of them may programme a baby's development and set the subsequent stage for health or disease later in adulthood," she explained. For instance, when the baby is faced with a poor food supply, it shunts nutrients to its most important organ, the brain, while the heart, kidneys, muscles, bones and other tissues do not develop as they should. This may result in one or more chronic diseases years later. On the other hand, pregnant mothers who are obese may also put their offspring at a higher risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Based on the Institute of Medicine Guidelines, the recommended pregnancy weight gain for women of a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (between 18.5 and 24.9) is around 11.3kg to 15.9kg.
"To ensure that the baby gets optimal nourishment, an expecting mum should focus on the quality of her diet. Cut back on fat, salt and sugar but increase intake of whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and low-fat dairy products," advised Dr Loi.
Examples of legumes include alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lentils, soybeans, peanuts amongst many others.
Dr Kelly Loi, Medical Director of the Health and Fertility Centre for Women, Singapore, shared that "A developing baby's tissues, organs and systems are extremely sensitive to conditions in the womb. A lack of nutrients or an oversupply of them may programme a baby's development and set the subsequent stage for health or disease later in adulthood," she explained. For instance, when the baby is faced with a poor food supply, it shunts nutrients to its most important organ, the brain, while the heart, kidneys, muscles, bones and other tissues do not develop as they should. This may result in one or more chronic diseases years later. On the other hand, pregnant mothers who are obese may also put their offspring at a higher risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Based on the Institute of Medicine Guidelines, the recommended pregnancy weight gain for women of a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (between 18.5 and 24.9) is around 11.3kg to 15.9kg.
"To ensure that the baby gets optimal nourishment, an expecting mum should focus on the quality of her diet. Cut back on fat, salt and sugar but increase intake of whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and low-fat dairy products," advised Dr Loi.
Examples of legumes include alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lentils, soybeans, peanuts amongst many others.
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