Written By: Shreya Sharma
Learn more about the drastic impacts prenatal nutrition has on neurological development, thyroid hormone production, and postpartum depression.
Nutrition is arguably the most important determinant of fetal development, barring genetics. Numerous studies have demonstrated the long term effects of poor dietary choices on the child, including obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. While there are many other uncontrollable factors affecting development, the mother should make responsible choices while the future child is in utero. Specifically, many nutrients, including iodine, iron, and folic acid, help maintain the mother’s health throughout pregnancy and reduce the risk of certain diseases for the fetus.
Iodine, a naturally occurring element, is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. This element can be consumed in different foods, in medications, and in supplements. Additionally, it is used in topical disinfectants due to its ability to oxidize compounds of the cell membrane and cytoplasm, thereby killing protozoa, viruses, fungi and bacteria. Iodine is required in increased doses during pregnancy and while nursing, in amounts between 220 micrograms and 290 micrograms. Recommendations from the American Thyroid Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume daily 150 microgram supplements of iodine (Tanha, 2013).
Low iodine levels prevent thyroid hormone production, known as hypothyroidism, resulting in miscarriage, preterm delivery, and poor infant growth. Most notably, women with iodine deficiency during pregnancy have been seen to have babies with impaired hearing, as well as weakened motor and cognitive development.
Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism can lead to the baby developing a goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland, which has many risks, including compression of the trachea. Compression can cause the airways to collapse, a condition known as tracheomalacia, or asphyxiation (Nutrition During Pregnancy, n.d.).
Another crucial mineral during pregnancy is iron. The body uses iron to create hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the red blood cells. While pregnant, the individual’s body needs to supply oxygen-carrying blood to the baby, increasing iron demand to about 27mg per day to keep up with the increased blood supply. For women with sufficient stores of iron, supplements are not required. However, women who are anemic throughout their pregnancy must take supplements to keep iron levels up (Tanha, 2013). In addition to this, iron-rich foods must be incorporated into the diet. Non-heme iron is found mainly in plant-based and iron-fortified foods, while animal sources contain heme iron, which is absorbed more efficiently. Furthermore, consuming foods high in vitamin C will improve iron absorption, while calcium can inhibit it. Severe iron deficiency during pregnancy can cause fatigue and dizziness for the mother.
Its effects can be as dangerous as low birth weight, infant and maternal mortality, premature birth, and postpartum depression (Wellcome Trust, 2008).
Since iron is needed to carry oxygen throughout the body, it is critical for fetal brain development.
It has also been suggested that a higher iron intake for expecting mothers can help reduce the chance of the child developing autism (Institute of Medicine, 1990).
Alternatively known as vitamin B9, folic acid is one of the essential vitamins to consume before conception. It can be found in an extensive range of foods, including meat, grains, eggs, nuts and legumes, and fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other substances, it is relatively ineffective to begin once the pregnancy is established.
Women of reproductive age, even those not intending to get pregnant, should consider taking a daily multivitamin with 0.4 milligrams of folic acid (Tanha, 2013).
However, those planning to conceive should consult a doctor to use a folic acid supplement based on their risk level. As with any other vitamins, individuals should try to include it within their diet as much as possible. Folic acid is essential for proper DNA synthesis and the production of new cells, making it exceptionally important to fetal development and health. The neural tube gives rise to the brain and spinal cord within the first four weeks of pregnancy. At this point, most women are still unaware that they are pregnant, which is why folic acid levels are essential to maintain even when not intending to conceive (Wellcome Trust, 2008).
Folic acid lowers the risk of fetal neural tube defects, which are severe defects of the brain, spinal cord, and skull.
Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect in which the spine protecting the spinal cord doesn’t form properly. Additionally, anencephaly, a fatal neural tube defect, is the absence of a large portion of the brain and skull. In most cases, severe defects result in stillbirth or do not survive past a few weeks after birth.
Sufficient levels of folic acid before and during pregnancy have also been attributed to lower risks of developing Asperger Syndrome and other forms of autism (Nutrition During Pregnancy, n.d.).
It is crucial to recognize that while nutrition is not the only factor affecting in utero development, it is very influential in determining nutrient availability for the fetus and the overall health and body composition of the mother. As such, pregnant individuals should remain diligent that their diet is balanced and healthy to reduce the chances of neurodevelopmental issues resulting from poor prenatal diets.
References
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Nutritional Status During Pregnancy and
Lactation. (1990, January 01). Iron Nutrition During Pregnancy. Retrieved August 10,
2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235217/
Nutrition During Pregnancy. (n.d.). Retrieved August 09, 2020, from
https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/nutrition-during-
pregnancy
Tanha, F. (2013, September). The effects of healthy diet in pregnancy. Retrieved August 07,
2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4064785/
Wellcome Trust. (2008, July 1). Poor Diet During Pregnancy May Have Long Term Impact On
Child's Health, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 7, 2020, from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630200951.htm