Nowadays, expectant mothers pay great attention to the intake of nutrition during pregnancy, but they should also be aware that some foods may have adverse effects on the fetus. It is important to correctly supplement nutrition and avoid misconceptions.
Misconception 1: More nutrition is always better, and a child being overweight means they are healthy.
Excessive nutrition can directly lead to obesity, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, as well as the likelihood of giving birth to a macrosomic baby and experiencing difficult labor. Furthermore, macrosomic babies are prone to low blood sugar, low blood calcium, and polycythemia, and are also potential factors for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
Misconception 2: Calcium supplementation during pregnancy is always beneficial.
Most pregnant women supplement with calcium during pregnancy, which is often done blindly. Excessive calcium supplementation can increase the risk of kidney stones and milk-alkali syndrome (a clinical syndrome characterized by hypercalcemia, alkalosis, and varying degrees of kidney damage caused by long-term consumption of large amounts of milk or calcium supplements along with large amounts of absorbable alkalis), and may also promote the development of cancer caused by other factors. Therefore, normal pregnant women should try to obtain calcium from their diet, and those with calcium deficiency can take calcium supplements under the guidance of a doctor.
Misconception 3: Early supplementation of vitamins is better, and the more the better.
The early stage of pregnancy is the period of most active fetal organ development, and excessive intake of vitamins can be very harmful to the fetus. Excessive intake of vitamin A in early pregnancy can cause teratogenic effects, and excessive intake of vitamin C can lead to miscarriage. Therefore, vitamin supplementation should start from the middle stage of pregnancy, and priority should be given to food supplementation.
Misconception 4: Starch is not nutritious, so it should be eaten less.
Starch contains a large amount of carbohydrates, which primarily provide energy and maintain blood sugar levels. The metabolism of maternal and fetal brain cells and the placenta rely on the consumption of glucose for energy. Eating too little starch can lead to hypoglycemia and the production of ketone bodies, which have toxic effects on the nervous system.
Misconception 5: It's okay to gain weight during pregnancy, and I can lose weight after giving birth.
This idea is very wrong. The weight of pregnant women is one of the indicators of nutritional status during pregnancy. Eating too much, exceeding the calorie intake, and having an unbalanced diet can lead to maternal obesity, macrosomia in the fetus, and an increased risk of gestational diabetes and macrosomia. Gestational diabetes can lead to severe maternal and infant complications.
Misconception 6: Eating a large amount of fruit during pregnancy is necessary.
Many pregnant women eat several kilograms of fruit a day and consume a lot of nuts, believing that eating more nuts will result in their child having good hair. Excessive intake of calories, fat, and sugar can easily lead to gestational obesity, gestational diabetes, and macrosomia. Expectant mothers should be reminded to consume fruits and nuts in moderation during pregnancy. Generally, the daily fruit intake should not exceed 250 grams, and 1-2 nuts such as walnuts are sufficient.
