Nourishing the future: A guide to nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood.

Pregnancy is a stage full of emotions, changes and, of course, a lot of expectation. A miracle is brewing inside your body, a new life that develops in leaps and bounds. Today we invite you to embark on a fascinating journey to learn how your baby grows and how nutrition plays a crucial role in this process.

Weeks 1 to 8: A small universe in formation

In this initial period, the embryo, no larger than a grain of rice, implants in the uterus and begins to form its main organs: the heart, brain and spinal cord. The mother's diet at this time is essential to provide folic acid, essential to prevent neural tube defects.

Weeks 9 to 13: A whirlwind of development

At this stage, the demand for nutrients increases, so it is important to include protein, calcium, iron and B vitamins in your diet.

Weeks 14 to 26: Refining details and moving at pace

Make sure you consume enough water, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep you well supplied.

Weeks 27 to 30: Growing by leaps and bounds

At this stage, calcium is essential for the development of your bones and teeth. Include dairy products, legumes and green leafy vegetables in your diet to provide this crucial mineral.

Weeks 31 to 40: Ready for the big meeting

In this last trimester, it is important to maintain adequate caloric intake and consume foods rich in iron to prevent anemia.

Nutrition during the first years of life is crucial for the physical, cognitive and emotional development of children. However, some nutritional problems can negatively affect your health and well-being. In this blog, we will explore some of the most common nutritional problems in infants and how to prevent them.

infant

1. Malnutrition

Malnutrition refers to insufficient intake of nutrients essential for the proper growth and development of the child. It can manifest itself in two ways:

Symptoms of malnutrition:

Low weight for age

Slow growth

Muscular weakness

Fatigue

Irritability

Decreased immune system

Increased risk of infections

Prevention of malnutrition:

Recommendation:

Encourage exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life and continue until 2 years of age or older.

Introduce nutritious complementary foods from 6 months, according to the pediatrician's recommendations.

Ensure a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and lean proteins.

Maintain good hygiene and access to drinking water to prevent illness.

Go for growth and development checks regularly.

2. Overweight and obesity:

Overweight and obesity in childhood have become an increasingly worrying public health problem. Children who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of:

Develop chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer in the future.

Having self-esteem problems and low body image.

Suffering from bullying and discrimination.

Factors that contribute to overweight and obesity:

Inadequate diet, rich in processed sugars, saturated fats and processed foods.

Lack of physical activity.

Unhealthy sleeping habits.

Genetic factors.

Prevention of overweight and obesity:

Promote a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and lean proteins.

Limit consumption of processed sugars, saturated fats and processed foods.

Encourage regular physical activity, at least 60 minutes of active play daily.

Promote healthy sleep habits.

Set an example for children with healthy eating habits.

3. Anemia:

Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Children with anemia may experience:

Fatigue

Pallor

Difficulty breathing

Dizziness

Headaches

Decreased school performance

Causes of anemia in infants:

Deficiency of iron, the essential nutrient for the production of hemoglobin.

Lack of consumption of foods rich in iron, such as red meat, chicken, fish, legumes and green leafy vegetables.

Blood loss due to bleeding or illness.

Prevention of anemia:

Encourage exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life and continue until 2 years of age or older.

Introduce complementary foods rich in iron from 6 months, according to the pediatrician's recommendations.

Provide iron supplements if necessary, according to the pediatrician's instructions.

Regularly monitor the child's hemoglobin levels.

4. Food allergies:

Food allergies are abnormal reactions of the immune system to certain foods.

Symptoms of a food allergy may include:

Rashes

Urticaria

Swelling

Itch

Difficulty breathing

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Foods that commonly cause allergies in infants:

Cow milk

Egg

Soy

Peanut

Wheat

Crustaceans

Fish

Prevention of food allergies:

Introduce potentially allergenic foods one at a time, under the supervision of a pediatrician.

Carefully observe the child after each introduction of a new food