By RENU BHARTI
Every year, world heart day is celebrated and spread awareness about
cardiovascular dfseases. Having a nutritious diet to fuel their hearts
and power their lives should be important for everyone, especially for
pregnant women and nutritious diet plays a key role in improving your
foetal cardiovascular system. Your foetus also requires Omega-3 fatty
acids and essential vitamins and minerals like in the case of adults.
The foetal heart development commences in the first trimester of
pregnant women, thereby every pregnant women should follow a diet rich
in calcium and phosphorus, which are important for your baby’s heart
growth. I would suggest mothers to consult a nutritionist or dietician
as soon as they become pregnant to have a safe pregnancy and healthy
baby.
Foetuses in the womb have bigger hearts in the 1st and 2nd trimester
compared to the surrounding organs. As your baby grows, the heart
increases in size. The nutrition of the foetus is connected with that
of mother. Hence, pregnant mothers should steer clear from
caffeinated, excess sodium and high cholesterol products which may
hinder your foetal heart development.
What are the factors affecting my foetus heart development?
Chromosomal abnormalities: In 50% of babies chromosomal abnormalities
are associated with Down syndrome.
Other genetic defects: A single gene may develop abnormally leading to
development of a congenital heart defect.
Diabetes: Unstable blood sugar control in women with diabetics can be
a cause of increased risk of heart defects in baby.
Rubella [German measles]: Luckily, Rubella is a rare disorder now days
however obstetricians advise to test fao rubella to confirm whether
the mother is protected against German measles in the early pregnancy
phase.
Drugs or substance abuse: Exposure to unwanted chemicals: paints,
solvents, pesticides, air pollutants like trichloroethylene and
possibly, deadly radiations should be avoided.
Common heart problems: Heart defects are a rare phenomenon only around
8 in 1000 pregnancies are diagnosed with heart abnormalities. Only
around 8 in every 1000 pregnancies are diagnosed with heart
abnormalities.
Which are the best foods for my foetal well-being?
Pregnant women should have regular intake of diet rich in whole
grains, leafy greens and lean proteins. However in some cases,
expecting mothers may emphasize rich minerals and nutrient foods. The
most critical minerals that significantly impact the foetal heart
development are calcium, copper, phosphorus and thiamine. Milk is rich
in calcium and can be taken daily in quantities of 1000 and 700
milligrams respectively. Have at least 1 milligram cashews, kidney
beans daily since they are great sources of copper. Lastly eat around
1.4 milligrams of oats, split peas and meat mostly; meat products are
rich source of thiamine.
Which foods lower foetus’s heart development?
• Unhealthy foods
• High cholesterol
• High caffeinated products
In addition to increase consumption of heart healthy foods, limit
unhealthy eating, keep a check on your cholesterol and sodium intake,
should be below 300 and 3000 milligrams per day, respectively. Food
additives or chemicals like MSG can have side-effects on your
developing baby. You can also seek further advice from your concerned
doctor.
In last pregnancy is one of the most vital and delicate phase in every
women’s’ life. Every woman should pay special attention to her diet.
Most important, drink milk 2-3 times a day, take adequate nutrient
supplements and enough rest. Don’t panic and enjoy the beautiful
journey as would be mother.
RENU BHARTI
M.Sc. Food Science & Technology NET(ICAR)
