Nutrition during pregnancy shapes the health of the child

Diet and hormones affect later organ function
Women can make sure that their baby is at a lower risk for obesity and diabetes later in life. For how its organs will function in the future will be influenced not only by genetics but also by the nutrition and hormones of the mother in certain formative phases. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy not only has a short-term positive effect, but has long-term consequences for the child's health.

Setting the course for sugar utilization and fat storage
Expectant mothers make important changes in their child's health during their pregnancy. For example, the diet of the pregnant woman influences the way in which the child will later use sugar or store fats in the body. The University of Hohenheim informs in a communication on the occasion of a meeting of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) today (21.9.)..

A balanced and varied diet is particularly important for the healthy development of the child (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com)

Nutritional errors can promote diabetes
Thus, in addition to genetics, the mother's diet and hormones determine during certain stages of development during pregnancy or shortly after birth, how later the organ's organs and organ systems function. Experts speak of perinatal programming in this context.

If there are mistakes early on, it may be that the child develops malfunctions and chronic illnesses that last a lifetime, said Professor Peter Grimm from the German Nutrition Society (DGE) to the news agency "dpa". Possible consequences include overweight and diabetes mellitus.

Five servings of vegetables and fruits a day
Pregnant women should pay close attention to what they eat and drink during pregnancy. For the health of the expectant mother and for the development of the child, a balanced and varied diet is particularly important. The Healthy into Life network recommends eating plenty of vegetables and fruits (5 servings a day), plus whole grains and at least three servings of low-fat and low-fat dairy a day.

Lean meat or lean sausage should be eaten in moderation (3 to 4 servings per week) and fish ideally twice a week - at least a portion of fatty fish such as herring or salmon. Economically, expectant mothers should generally handle oils, fats, sweets and snacks. (No)