The ways in which fat is used by the body changes in a number of
ways when you are pregnant. Although some of these changes occur naturally
within the body and appear to be unrelated to the fats the mother eats,
choosing a healthy balance of fats is still strongly recommended. Specific fats
are needed for specific reasons, for example:
· 1. Fat is a good source of calories, more
so than protein or carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy,
which is hugely important for a healthy pregnancy.
During the first half of pregnancy energy demands are lower than during
the second half, so the mother’s body cleverly stores fat more readily
during the first half so that there is enough energy available to meet the
needs of the mother and her baby during the second half of pregnancy .
· 2.Levels of cholesterol (which is a type of fat) increase, as it
is needed for healthy nerve and cell formation in
the baby and important hormone production by
the placenta.
· 3.DHA, an omega 3 fat, is needed for the baby’s brain and eye development.
Omega 3 is an essential fat, meaning that
the body can only obtain it through the food we eat, so if you do not eat
enough omega 3 rich foods you may become deficient. Having enough omega 3, in
particular DHA, available during pregnancy has been associated with a reduced risk of low birth weight or premature birth; healthy
cognitive function, attention, coordination and sleep patterns after
birth and it may also reduce a baby’s sensitivity to
common allergens 3.
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