MEDICAL CARE OF PREGNANT WOMEN: DAILY REQUIREMENTS

The recommended “Daily Allowance” of nutrients for the average pregnant woman (from the twentieth week on).

Kilojoules 10,500 (2,500 Calories)

Thiamine 1.0 mg

Protein 65 g

Riboflavin 1.5 mg

Calcium 1,000 mgm

Nicotinic Acid 15.0 mg

Iron 15 mg

Ascorbic Acid 50.0 mg

Vitamin A 6,000 u

Folic Acid 1.0 mg

Vitamin D 4,000 u

This may all sound a bit theoretical. But, when this is translated into understandable words, it simply means that the following foods should be included in the diet each day:

One pint (.6 litres) of fresh milk. (This may be taken raw, or made up in drinks, puddings, custards, or in the form of cheese.)

60 g (2 oz) of fish or meat (or protein substitute) and one egg daily.

One orange, one apple or a slice of pawpaw (papaya).

Green, leafy vegetables at least three times a week.

Apart from this simple routine, she may eat whatever she likes! However, a careful watch must be kept on the weight, for this is important during pregnancy. Sudden weight increases can lead to a serious complication in pregnancy called pre-eclampsia.

The majority of women will also benefit from the regular intake of an iron tablet daily. The actual amount will vary according to the results of the blood tests arranged by the doctor at your early visit to him.

Some women who live under poor social and economic circumstances, and women in the less affluent, developing countries may require additional vitamin and mineral needs if their diet is deficient. Such people would benefit from an iron tablet three times a day, and a vitamin tablet containing ascorbic acid 50 mg, folic acid 1 mg, thiamine 2 mg, riboflavin 2 mg, and nicotinic acid 15 mg.

Vitamin Names. Many women become confused at the seeming profusion of vitamin names. The most commonly talked about group of vitamins are those composing the “Vitamin Â Complex.” This consists of a series of components, and there are several synonyms.

Vitamin B1 is also known as Aneurin or Thiamin.

Vitamin B2 is also known as Riboflavin.

Vitamin B6 is also known as Pyridoxin.

Nicotinamide and Pantothenic acid belong to the complex also.

Vitamin B12 is also known as Cyanocobalamin.

The other commonly used multiple name vitamin is Vitamin C, which is also known as Ascorbic acid.