NUTRITION in pregnancy is the single most important factor in determining the outcome for both the mother and baby.  Fortunately, it is also the factor mothers have the most influence over. 

Life begins as microscopic drops of paternal bodily fluids.  In just nine months it blossoms into a fully functioning human being, masha’Allah.  Allah has designed the blueprint for each baby to reach full potential and built in safety nets for labor and birth to protect both mother and child.  The mother’s role to ensure her baby reaches its full potential and to maximize birth’s safety nets lies in her attention to good nutrition throughout pregnancy. 

Variety is the key to ensuring that all essential nutrients are available for healthy growth and development.  This is especially true when you consider that some elements are better absorbed in the body in the presence of others (ie:  iron is best absorbed in conjunction with vitamin C, calcium is best absorbed in conjunction with vitamin D, vitamins A, D, E and K are soluble in fat, etc.) Allah has provided us perfect variety for a balanced diet.

“He created cattle that give you warmth, benefits, and food to eat.” (Qur’an l6:5) 

 “…and from it (the earth) we produced grain for their sustenance.” (Qur’an 36:33)

“It is He who sends down water from the sky with which He brings up corn, olives, dates and grapes and other fruit.” (Qur’an 16:11)

“And it is He Who produces gardens and crops of different shape and taste (its fruits and its seeds) and olives, and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). Eat of their fruit when they ripen...” (Qur’an 6:141)

“In cattle too you have a worthy lesson.  We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies…pure milk, a pleasant beverage for those who drink it.” (Qur’an 16:66)

“It is He who subdued the seas, from which you eat fresh fish.” (Qur’an 16:14)

It’s important to realize that foods are the natural form of nutrients and are best assimilated by the body.  Herbs are foods that can be an added source of vitamins and minerals.  Pharmaceutical supplements may be used in rare cases of deficiency, but should not be relied upon in place of foods.

Ample caloric intake (+/- 3000) is necessary for proper body functions.  If a woman does not get enough calories her body will use up proteins that are essential for the baby’s growth to maintain maternal energy.  Pregnancy is a time for focus on eating right, not for focus on the numbers of the scale.

During pregnancy, the baby makes huge developmental advances and grows by leaps and bounds each day.  The mother’s nutrition is the baby’s only source of essential nutrients to ensure proper development.  You cannot make up for poor maternal diet after birth.  Good nutrition in pregnancy really matters.  You cannot redo yesterday, but you can make the best of today, insha’Allah.

 ©2011 aisha_alhajjar@yahoo.com, All Rights Reserved (All writings are the original work of Aisha Al Hajjar and are based on her personal research, experiences, and opinions; they do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or this publication.)