As gestational age increases, the nutritional

needs of pregnant women will increase,

especially after entering the second trimester
of pregnancy. Because at that time, fetal
growth took place rapidly - particularly the
development of the brain and nervous system
- and requires optimal nutrition.
The Role of Nutrition on Fetal
Growth and Development
a. Calories
During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
requires 300 calories per day.
These additional calories needed for your weight
increase (total 12 to 16 kg during pregnancy). It is
very necessary to produce sufficient weight babies at
birth.
Should in the first trimester, weight gain is only 0, 5 kg
of each month. Whereas in the second trismester, 0, 5
kg each week. Whereas in the last trimester (months-
9), may only be 0, 5 to 1 kg.
Should in the first trimester, weight gain is only 0, 5 kg
of each month. Whereas in the second trismester, 0, 5
kg each week. Whereas in the last trimester (months-
9), may only be 0, 5 to 1 kg.
b. Protein
Protein is needed for building, repairing, and
replacing the body's tissues. Pregnant women
need extra nutrients for optimal fetal growth.
Pregnant women need about 75 grams of protein
each day, 25 grams more than the others.
Animal products like meat, fish, eggs, milk,
cheese, and seafood is a source of protein. In
addition proteins can also be obtained from plants
such as nuts, seeds, tempe, tofu, Oncom, and
others.
c. Carbohydrate and Fat
The main energy source for pregnant women is
Kabohidrat and fat.
Sources of carbohydrates include rice, bread, cereal
and grain.
In order needs fulfilled recommended carbohydrate
eating three servings of carbohydrates each day.
Fat also produces energy, and save the protein to be
utilized in the growth functions.
Fats are used for the formation of cell membrane
material and the formation of hormones, the formation
of fat tissue, besides that fat helps the body to absorb
nutrients. However, in pregnant condition fat intake
should also be restricted due to high calorie content.
d. Folic Acid
Folate is a B vitamin that plays an important role in
embryonic development.
Folate also helps prevent neural tube defects, ie
defects in the brain and spine. Folate deficiency may
also increase the pregnancy is less age (preterm)
infants with low birth weight (low birth weight infant /
LBW), and fetal growth is less.
]In fact, folic acid is needed, especially before
pregnancy and in early pregnancy. However, pregnant
women should still continue the intake of folate.
600 mg of folate are advised for pregnant women.
Folate can be obtained from folic acid
supplementation. Green vegetables (like spinach,
asparagus), orange juice, beans, nuts and wheat
bread is a natural source that contains folate.
e. Calcium
Fetal calcium from the mother to collect about 25 to
30 mg daily. At most when the third trimester of
pregnancy.
Pregnant women and babies need calcium for strong
bones and teeth.
In addition, calcium is also used to help blood vessels
contracted and dilated. Calcium is also needed to
deliver neural signals, muscle contraction and
hormone secretion. If no adequate calcium from food,
baby needs calcium will be taken from the maternal
bone.
Pregnant calcium requirement is about 1000 mg per
day.
Calcium from food sources include dairy products like
milk, cheese, yogurt. Also fish is also a good source
of calcium.
f. Iron
Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red
blood cells carry oxygen to the role of body tissues.
During pregnancy, blood volume increases to
accommodate changes in the body of the mother and
baby's blood supply. This causes the need for iron
increases about twice.
If requirements are not fulfilled in iron, pregnant mothers
will easily tired and vulnerable to infection. The risk of
having a baby is not old enough and babies with low birth
weight were also higher.
Iron deficiency will lead to growth and development of the
fetus becomes obstructed. Lack of iron can increase the
risk of disability (mortality)
Requirement of iron for pregnant women is about 27 mg
daily.
Aside from supplements, iron can be obtained naturally
from red meat, fish, poultry, fortified breakfast cereals are
iron, and beans.
g. Zinc
From several studies reported that pregnant women
who have low zinc levels in the food substances risk
of premature birth and giving birth to low birth weight.
While clinical trials of zinc supplementation of
substances not found clarity about the benefits of zinc
consumed in higher amounts. However, zinc
consuming substances in sufficient amounts to an
anticipatory steps that can be done.
Substance zinc can be found naturally in red meat,
whole wheat, beans, legumes, and some breakfast
cereals have been fortified.
In general, women do not need additional
supplements. But they can consume supplements
(about 25 mg of zinc daily substances) if you are in an
unhealthy condition.
h. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed by the fetus depends on the
mother's food intake.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects tissues
from damage and needed to form collagen and
deliver chemical signals in the brain.
Pregnant women are advised to consume daily
85 mg of vitamin C per day.
Vitamin C is easily obtained from foods such as
tomatoes, oranges, strawberries, guava, and
broccoli. Foods rich in vitamin C also helps
absorption of iron in the body.
i. Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an important role in body
functions, including functional vision, immunity,
and the growth and development of the embryo.
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to premature birth
and low birth weight infants.
Vitamin A can be found in fruits and green or
yellow vegetables, butter, milk, egg yolks, and
others.