A pregnant woman must monitor her lifestyle. Everyone knows that it is particularly recommended to ban alcohol and cigarettes for 9 months. What if this period were to lengthen? British researchers have published a series of studies in the journal The Lancet April 17. They demonstrate that the health of the parents does have an influence on that of the children, but that this begins before conception and applies to both the mother and the father.
A poor diet, stress, overweight or excess caffeine are all parameters that will affect the development of the unborn baby with an increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic (diabetes, obesity), neurological and immune system diseases.
The researchers therefore point out that it is necessary to start having a healthy lifestyle from the preconception period, when the parents decide to have a child, as well as the three months preceding the start of pregnancy. Maternal obesity at the time of conception can lead to breastfeeding difficulties, overweight of the child, a risk of stillbirth or even a reduction in the mother’s fertility. Researchers suggest that paternal obesity degrades sperm quality.
Avoid deficiencies
Also beware of deficiencies, the most common of which in pregnant women is that of iron, essential for oxygen to be brought to the cells of both the mother and the fetus. The researchers also note a lack of magnesium, calcium and vitamin D, due to “high consumption of red meat, cereals, refined sugars and high-fat dairy products” in developed countries. Western dietary habits are the cause of iodine and vitamin B9 deficiencies.
To fill these gaps, researchers recommend taking food supplements, four to six weeks before the start of pregnancy. They also insist on the benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish and conversely a low consumption of processed red meat such as cold meats or sausages, in order to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. , hypertension during pregnancy and premature birth.
Another important element, the researchers call for better information and awareness of future parents but also of the youngest so that the link between the way of life before conception and the health of the child is better integrated.
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