The doctor dispelled the myth of the need for pregnant women to eat for two

The view that a woman should eat for two during pregnancy is still widespread. However, modern medical evidence suggests otherwise. Olga Ulankina, an obstetrician and gynecologist, told Izvestia about this on January 21. Candidate of Medical Sciences, expert doctor at the Hemotest Laboratory.

This approach not only does not benefit the child, but in some cases can harm the mother's health and complicate the course of pregnancy, she noted.

"During pregnancy, the body's need for certain nutrients really increases — primarily protein, iron, folic acid, calcium, and iodine. But we are not talking about a multiple increase in the caloric content of the diet, but about its quality and balance. At the same time, excessive calorie intake does not improve the child's development, but significantly increases the risks for the mother," the doctor emphasizes.

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases the likelihood of gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, complications during childbirth, and surgical delivery. In addition, excess body weight often persists after pregnancy and becomes a risk factor for endocrine and cardiovascular diseases.

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"The real additional energy requirement appears only in the second and third trimester and averages 300-400 kcal per day. This is equivalent, for example, to a portion of a fermented dairy product, a handful of nuts, or a full—fledged meal of protein, but it should not lead to a doubling of portions or a constant snack on high-calorie foods," Ulankina explains.

The quality of the diet deserves special attention. A common mistake of expectant mothers is "jamming" toxicosis, fatigue or anxiety with sweets, pastries or fast food. This style of eating creates the illusion of caring for a child, but in practice it leads to a shortage of important micro- and macronutrients with an excess of "empty" calories. As a result, a woman may gain weight but be deficient in iron, calcium, or B vitamins.

To avoid health problems, pregnant women should eat regularly and in a variety of ways, be sure to include protein foods, vegetables, sources of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats in the diet. At the same time, strict diets and drastic calorie restriction are also unacceptable, as they can negatively affect fetal development and a woman's well-being.

"The myth of the need to eat for two has no medical basis. The modern approach to pregnancy management is based not on the amount of food, but on its quality, balance and compliance with the needs of the body. It is this approach that creates the best conditions for the health of the mother and the proper development of the child," Ulankina summarizes.

On November 24, Maria Bakhmetyeva, an obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, and a leading specialist in the Semeynaya clinic network, told Izvestia that it is necessary to start preparing for pregnancy 3-6 months before planning it. In addition, you need to take general clinical blood tests: general and biochemical.

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