Pregnancy is a demanding physiological state. In many low socioeconomic groups in India, women often consume the same diet during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and lactation periods. This inadequate nutrition contributes to a high prevalence of low birth weight babies and increased infant mortality.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the mother requires additional nutrients to support the growth of the fetus and to produce sufficient breast milk for the baby.
There is usually no need to drastically change the usual balanced diet. However, the quantity and frequency of food intake should be increased to meet the nutritional demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
