Pregnancy Nutrition: Why Maternal Diet Critically Affects Fetal Development

Direct Fetal Impact

• Folic Acid: Prevents neural tube defects.
• Iron: Prevents maternal anemia → supports fetal oxygen supply.
• Mercury Avoidance: High‑mercury fish harms fetal nervous system.
• Alcohol: Zero safe amount; causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Increased Maternal Needs

Extra protein, calories, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats for placental/fetal growth and maternal tissue expansion.

Gestational Diabetes Risk

High processed‑food/sugar intake → insulin resistance → GDM → macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, future metabolic risk.

Weight Management

Appropriate gain reduces preeclampsia, cesarean, postpartum retention.

Food Safety

Immune modulation in pregnancy ↑ susceptibility to listeria, toxoplasma, salmonella. Avoid raw/undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, deli meats unless heated.