d the mother's nutritional stores at conception. If the nutritional supply falls below the threshold needed for the body to adjust its metabolism to the diminished nutrient supply, fetal growth and development are affected, even though there is little effect on the mother (1).
The PDR Family Guide to Nutrition and Health (2) provides information on diet and supplements that they feel are important for the health of the fetus. It recommends increasing daily protein intake, and increasing carbohydrate intake so that the protein is used efficiently. Although it recommends vitamin and mineral supplements, it warns against taking megadoses as these may be harmful to the fetus. Folate is recommended during the first four weeks to ensure neural tube development and prevent spina bifida and underdevelopment of the brain.
Calcium is essential, since as the fetus grows, and bones and teeth develop, it will sap the mother's stores. Insufficient calcium will result in defective bone development in the fetus. The PDR recommends avoiding additives and contaminants where possible. Although there is little direct evidence that they are harmful to the fetus, they do not believe it is worth taking a risk (2). Alcohol and tobacco are also advised against by the PDR, for reasons that will be discussed below. It also cautions pregnant mothers to reduce their caffeine consumption, as it has been loosely linked to miscarriages and fetal growth retardation, though the evidence is inconclusive. Herbal teas, they add, may contain plant materials such as sassafras and mistletoe that may be harmful to the fetus.
Two new research studies suggest that multivitamins containing folic acid can lower the risk of cleft lip and cleft palate, and that zinc supplements may increase fetal size and head circumference (3). Researchers found that the incidence of cleft lip and cleft palate was from 25 percent to 50 percent lower for babies born to women ...