Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation

Course overview

Nutrients needed by pregnant and lactating women are generally assessed during the intrapartum and breastfeeding periods to avoid nutritional deficits that may lead to either low weight or obesity. Women who are lactating should be followed up closely by their medical provider for possible deficiencies that may potentially affect the health of the mother and of the newborn. Guidance to maintain proper eating habits that include nutrient-rich food will help to ensure that nutrients lacking in the diet are replaced. By increasing dietary intake of nutrient-rich food and supplements during pregnancy and lactation, both mother and baby may avoid certain disease states and improve general health and wellbeing. The example of maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and lactation, and the health consequences in nursing infants is discussed.