least for hours before lying down may also help. c) Constipation The pressure of the enlarging uterus on the lower portion of the intestine, in addition to the hormonal muscle relaxant effect of placental hormones on the gastrointestinal tract may result in constipation. Increased the fluid intake and use of natural laxative foods such as whole grains, dried fruits and other fruits, vegetables that are rich in fibre, juices usually induce regularity. d) Oedema Mild, physiologic oedema is usually present in the extremities in the third trimester.
Swelling of lower extremities may be caused by the pressure of the enlarging uterus on the veins returning fluid from the legs. The normal oedema requires no sodium restriction or other dietary changes. e) Pica Consumption of non - food items like laundry starch, ice cubes or clay is called pica. It occurs more often during pregnancy than at any other time.
A deficiency for essential nutrient, such as calcium or iron, results in the eating of non - food substances that contain these nutrients UNIT. - - Nutrition in pregnancy, lactation and infancy practices. Smoking restrict the blood supply to the growing foetus and soulmates oxygen and nutrient delivery and waste removal. Smokers tend to eat less nutritious food during their pregnancy than do non-smokers which in turn impairs foetal nutrition.
A positive relationship exist between sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and both cigarette smoking during pregnancy and postnatal exposure to passive smoke. Smoking during pregnancy may even harm the intellectual and behavioural development of the child later in life. Infants of mother who chew tobacco also have lower weight and higher rates of foetal death than infants born to women who do not use tobacco. e) Environmental contaminants Infants and young children of pregnant women exposed to environmental containment such as lead and mercury show signs of impaired cognitive development.
In order to prepare body for birth, it produces a hormone called relaxin which softens your ligaments. This softening helps your baby pass through your pelvis during labour. f) Vitamin mineral megadoses The pregnant women who is