Abstract

Dr. Syed Insha Rafiq, Dr. Asifa Ali, Dr. Shujat Gul and Dr. Syed Mansha Rafiq*

ABSTRACT

Eating a well-balanced diet is important for all individuals, but it is even more essential for pregnant women. Diet is an important parameter that determines the well being of both the pregnant women and the baby. A developing baby needs essential nutrients, so mother’s diet needs to be balanced and nutritious. It should have right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Poor nutrition may lead to a number of problems including anemia, lack of oxygen during delivering baby, low birth weight of baby and still birth. Pregnant women are recommended to have normal nutritional status with Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 20-25 kg/m2 in order to have a full term new born infant with an average weight not less than 3 Kilo grams. Most of pregnant women know about the importance of diet; however there are still food deficiencies among the pregnant women. Most foods are safe but there are some foods that should be avoided during pregnancy. Those include raw meat, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk, caffeine, fish containing mercury and unwashed vegetables. To meet the nutritional requirements supplements are recommended but should be taken only after advised by a doctor.