Review by
Richard SumrallHow important is proper nutrition to women
who are pregnant? According to Dr. W. Allan Walker, "It may seem hard to
believe, but recent research reveals that what a mother eats during
pregnancy can affect whether her child will develop diseases such as heart
disease and diabetes -- 40 to 50 years later, when that child is an adult."
In his new book Walker contends that research indicates a child's health can
be dependent on several factors during the mother's term of pregnancy.
Expectant mothers can improve their child's health by reaching a healthy
weight before becoming pregnant, following a balanced diet before
conception, avoiding extreme weight swings while pregnant, nourishing the
body with a proper balance of nutrients and staying active during the
pregnancy.
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"How to Prepare for Pregnancy," "How Pregnancy Works" and "Why Fetal
Health Lasts a Lifetime"
Women who are planning a pregnancy should make certain lifestyle changes
prior to or during conception. Achieving a stable weight through proper diet
and nutrition, developing a positive activity schedule, and monitoring any
existing medical conditions are all part of these preparations. It is
crucial that women "iron up"; since the blood volume can expand during
pregnancy, the demands of the growing baby can put a woman at a high risk
for iron deficiency or anemia.
The life of a pregnancy is generally measured through the three
trimesters. Walker explains what a woman can expect during each of the
trimesters and the corresponding role of fetal nutrition.
Since proper nutrition and a metabolic balance in the woman's heath are
central to a healthy fetus, the author raises the subject of "fetal
programming." According to Walker, "Your body is much more than simply a
home for your baby as she develops … the overall health and conditions of a
mother's body can leave a lasting impression on her baby's health."
"Eating Well for Your Baby-to-Be," "What to Avoid While Pregnant" and
"Dietary Supplements"
One of the reoccurring themes in this book is the importance of good
nutrition and balance of diet. During the pregnancy a balance between diet
and the natural craving for certain foods must be met. According to Walker,
women can reach this dietary balance by making each meal a square meal
(choose items from all of the different food groups); include plenty of
fruits and vegetables; change your food proportions from your normal
routine; eat healthy substitutes for high-fat and high-sugar foods; and put
your indulgences to work (use them to add more of the healthy food you might
skimp on).
What you avoid is as important as what you eat. Always avoid the usual
substances -- alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, recreational drugs -- but don't
ignore the new research on other substances. For example, certain
medications can interfere with fetal development. Artificial sweeteners
satisfy the sugar cravings but can also harm the fetus.
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Some women consider substituting or enhancing their dietary and
nutritional requirements through supplements. These supplements come
in the form of prenatal vitamins, fish oil for DHA and herbals. The
bottom line -- choose reputable supplements as advised by your
doctor; don't use supplements as replacements for nutrient-rich
foods; and be wary of herbal supplements that have not passed
rigorous safety tests.
"Why Weight Matters" and "How to Stay Active, Safely"
According to Walker, a mother's weight during pregnancy can
influence the baby's health. Research shows that women who gain too
little weight or too much weight can give birth to babies who are
correspondingly smaller or larger than normal. There's also evidence
that too much or too little weight gain "can cause similar metabolic
problem in the child, including a higher risk of diabetes and
obesity later in life." Women can achieve their target weight gain
through a useful "Prepregnancy Body Mass Index" contained in the
book. The chart provides guidelines on a desired weight, based on a
woman's height and body mass index (the ratio of height to weight).
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One way to maintain a desired weight is through exercise.
Although exercise during a pregnancy is different from regular
exercise, it's important that a woman exercise regularly to benefit
her body and cardiovascular system. Although exercise is a necessary
part of a successful pregnancy, women should always avoid activities
that are intense, vigorous or apply pressure to the tummy area.
"Recipes," "Meal Planning" and "Eating Well After Pregnancy"
These final chapters contain recipes that help women apply the
nutritional information presented in the book. Tips include how to
eat for morning sickness and making healthy foods convenient to
prepare, store and eat.
Good nutrition is also important after giving birth, particularly
for those women who choose to breast-feed their baby. The author
feels very strongly that mothers should breast feed-their babies; in
fact, he writes, "It is almost universally agreed by health
authorities all over the world that breast-feeding is the healthiest
choice for mothers and their babies."
"The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating During
Pregnancy" is a valuable addition to the latest science and
literature on nutrition during and after a pregnancy. As a top
expert in pediatrics and nutrition, the author "draws upon the
latest research and his more than two decades of clinical experience
to explain, in plain English, the science of prenatal nutrition."
This book is recommended to any woman who is pregnant or considering
a pregnancy; fathers-to-be should also become familiar with the
information and advice found in this book.
[Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public
Library District]
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