Not paying attention to nutritional intake properly during pregnancy can lead to malnutrition. This condition should not be taken lightly because it can endanger the health of pregnant women and fetuses. To anticipate this, pregnant women need to recognize any signs of malnutrition during pregnancy.
Malnutrition during pregnancy is generally the result of the long-standing non-fulfillment of the nutritional needs of pregnant women. In addition to poor diet, excessive nausea and vomiting or hyperemesis gravidarum, pregnancy at a young age, financial difficulties, or even unsupportive household conditions can also contribute to the cause of pregnant women experiencing malnutrition.
Signs of Malnutrition During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, pregnant women must be observant of the unnatural changes that occur in the body, yes. It could be a sign of malnutrition that can have a bad impact on the health of pregnant women and their little ones in the womb.
The following are signs of malnutrition during pregnancy that pregnant women need to take note of:
1. Weight does not increase
Ideally, pregnant women will experience weight gain along with increasing gestational age. However, if the weight does not increase or even goes down, pregnant women need to be vigilant. It could be that pregnant women are malnourished.
Apart from weight, pregnant women's nutritional adequacy can also be seen through the circumference of the upper arm. Pregnant women who have an upper arm size of less than 23.5 cm are categorized as malnourished. So, if the pregnant woman's upper arm circumference is less than that number, it is likely that the pregnant woman's nutritional needs have not been fulfilled.
2. Anemia
Lack of blood or anemia can also be a sign that pregnant women are not getting enough nutritional intake. Anemia can occur when pregnant women lack iron and folic acid, which are nutrients that are important for carrying oxygen throughout the body and the fetus in the womb.
Symptoms that pregnant women can recognize from anemia include feeling tired quickly, short of breath, frequent dizziness, heart palpitations, difficulty concentrating, and pale skin, lips and nails.
3. Psychological problems
A study revealed that a lack of omega-3 fatty acid intake during pregnancy can make pregnant women show symptoms such as depression, such as continuing to feel sad, worthless, and guilty, and unable to control emotions. So if pregnant women experience these symptoms, maybe the right nutritional intake can overcome them.
4. Get sick easily
Pregnant women who are malnourished are usually more susceptible to disease because they do not get the nutritional intake needed to strengthen their immune system. Finally, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that cause disease will be easier to attack.
Pregnant women, fulfilling nutritional needs is the best preparation for welcoming the birth of the baby. With good nutrition, the little one in the womb will grow and develop perfectly. In addition, the risk of complications during childbirth, disability, or chronic disease in the future can be reduced.
To realize a healthy pregnancy, make sure pregnant women always consume complete nutritious foods and routinely carry out pregnancy checks, yes. If pregnant women experience the signs of malnutrition above, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
