Weight gain during pregnancy is essential, Obese women should be discouraged to Reduce weight during pregnancy.
Plan meals carefully so that the nutrient needed during pregnancy can be included without excessive calories using as food guide for pregnancy is helpful.
Caffeine intake should be limited.
To take only those vitamins and minerals as prescribed by the physician. Excessive amount may be harmful.
Skipping of meals is a poor practice ,especially for the pregnant woman. Fetus needs a steady supply of nutrients.
Encourage the women to use high fiber foods and plenty of fluids to avoid constipation.
Teenager should be encouraged to improve their eating habits.
Nutrition education should be imparted to the family members as well for the pregnant woman.
Alcohol consumption should be avoided it may results in birth defects. Fetal alcoholic syndrome is common which characterized by low birth weight ,slow growth and development and in some cases it may result in permanent mental retardation.
Diseases like tuberculosis, Anemia to be treated in order improve maternal health.
To support lactation and maintained sufficient maternal reserves ,most of the mother in developing countries have to eat about 650 kilo calories (equivalent to one extra meal every day.
Mother should eat balanced (including fruits, and vegetables, animal products, and fortified foods, when possible) by consuming variety of foods.
Community and household member should be informed of the importance of making additional food available to woman during pregnancy and lactation, as well as helping them to reduce their workload and obtain adequate rest.
