Nutrition before pregnancy
It is known that good nutrition before pregnancy is important because of the amount of "resources" childbirth requires.
Mothers must take the following nutrients during pregnancy.
- Magnesium and zinc supplementation for the binding of hormones at their receptor sites.
- Folic acid supplementation or dietary requirement of foods containing it for the regular growth of the follicle.
- Regular Vitamin D supplementation decreases the chances of deficiencies in adolescence. More importantly, it is known to reduce the likelihood of rickets with pelvic malformations which make normal delivery impossible.
- Regular Vitamin B12 supplementation, again, is known to reduce the chances of infertility and ill health.
Nutrition during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the most important factor could be seen as the amount of fat content within the woman when in the early stages of pregnancy.
Recommended nutrients during pregnancy
| Nutrient | Maximum/Total amount recommended per day |
| Energy | RDA |
| Proteins | 51 g per day |
| Thiamin | 0.9 mg per day |
| Riboflavin | 1.4 mg per day |
| Niacin | RDA |
| Folate | 300 µg per day |
| Vitamin C | 50 mg per day |
| Vitamin D | RDA |
| Calcium | RDA |
| Iron | RDA |
| Magnesium, zinc, and copper | RDA |
Nutrition after pregnancy
Proper nutrition is important after delivery to help the mother recovers, and to provide enough food energy and nutrients for a woman who chooses to breastfeed her child.