Most women do not realize the influence they have on the unborn fetus during pregnancy. We often go away with the notion that a child is trained and developed only by the external influences in the after birth onward. Well that is not true. Women need to be aware that the well-being of the child is affected by the habits she exhibits. Both during and after pregnancy, her appetites and passions are to be controlled by principle. If before the birth of her child a woman is selfish, impatient, self-indulgent and moody, these traits will be reflected in the disposition of the child. Hence some children silently receive as a birthright almost unconquerable tendencies to evil.
If however, the woman adheres to right principles, is temperate and self-denying, if she is kind, gentle and unselfish, she may give her child these same sweet and precious traits of character. One such principle is the avoidance of anything harmful entering her body during pregnancy. For example alcohol, tobacco, un-prescribed drugs or an unhealthy diet during pregnancy. Alcohol should never be used during pregnancy as this endangers the physical, mental and moral health of the child. Tobacco and second-hand smoke is highly concentrated in the blood and lungs of a young child than an adult and affects the physical and mental growth and development of the child even during pregnancy and after.
A common expression used by women when wishing to indulge in foods she desires is by saying, ”I have a craving for ….” or “I am eating for two”. This is following an incorrect belief that the body knows what it needs so just eat whatever is craved. This It can be harmful to the unborn child if she freely indulges in her own wants and desires of appetite. The woman’s physical needs should not be neglected as two lives are dependent upon her choices and actions, but, they must be carefully considered. She should in both her diet and general health habits avoid anything that will affect her physical and mental health as the same effect will be upon the fetus. Eating in between meals and unhealthy foods should be avoided.
The appetite of women during pregnancy varies and may be difficult to gratify. She may not consult good sound reason as to whether such foods can supply nutrition to her body and benefit both the growth and development of her fetus. Many indulge in meats, pickled, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeinated drinks, highly sugared or salty foods and in eating at anytime the cravings occur. But during pregnancy a simple, nutritious diet is essential. Diseased, unhealthy and irritable children are born this way because of poor diets, wrong indulgences and poor life style habits of the mother during pregnancy.
Overwork can also affect a pregnant woman negatively as this creates undue fatigue, mental depression and sadness affecting both her physical well-being and her emotional state. Overwork results in exertion which in some cases cause the individual to skip meals and rest times, depriving her offspring of nutrition and as her blood is not receiving a full and regular supply of nutrients, the fetus is robbed of physical and mental strength.
How can this be avoided?
The best thing a woman can do for the benefit of her offspring is to
- Obtain a proper nutritious diet
- Exercise-simple brisk walking
- Lots of fresh air and deep breathing exercises to carry proper supply of oxygen to the blood and then to the baby
- Drink lots of water
- Get as much sunshine as possible
- Get adequate rest and sleep
- Eat of the best foods in as natural a form as possible Eg.
- Grains: Brown rice, wheat flour breads (if not allergic), buck wheat, millet, quinoa, bran and whole wheat. Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, almonds and cashews can be eaten raw. Add to salads, cereals and porridges. Rich in proteins, amino acids and essential fatty acids.
- Seeds: Sunflower, flaxseed, sesame and pumpkin seeds are very rich in fatty acids, zinc, calcium and other beneficial minerals.
- Vegetables: Dark green leafy vegetables are full of vital vitamins and minerals. Try and eat most of them raw. Potatoes, yams, carrots, beet, squash, green beans can be steamed, baked or boiled. Sprouts are full of live enzymes, alfalfa sprouts are highly nutritious. Try sprouting beans and peas a few days before cooking to gain essential nutrients and enzymes from them.
- Fruits: All fresh fruit in season is beneficial. Dried fruits can be used however, avoid canned fruits due to the high sugar content, preservative and additives added.
Healthy meals and eggs from reliable, free range and organic sources may be used. They should be well cooked and from a fresh source. Avoid the use of canned Tuna due to the mercury content, and half cooked or raw eggs.
Remember a healthier, happier and peaceful “you” will produce a healthier offspring with proper physical and mental development.
Author: Charlene Chablal-de Gourville BSN, RN, AScn Environmental Health.
Adv Dip Holistic Nutrition (2015 candidate)
Produced by: Neoteric Natural Health Consultants 2015
