Poor diet before pregnancy may lead to preterm birth

Are you planning to have a baby soon? Then you might want to start paying attention to what you eat. Recent research study has found that poor diet prior to pregnancy might be linked with preterm birth. It has been confirmed for the first time that women who have a poor diet prior to the time they become pregnant are about 50 percent more likely to have a preterm birth than those women who are on a healthy diet. The results of this study showed that women who consistently consumed a diet which was high in protein and fruit before becoming pregnant were not as likely to have a preterm birth. Those women who consistently consume high fat and sugar foods and takeaway foods were about 50 percent more likely to have a preterm birth. Diet high in folic acid, vegetables, fruits, lean meat, calcium, nuts and iron is highly recommended before and during the pregnancy. Folic acid is found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, some cereals, and dried peas and beans. Iron is very critical for having a healthy baby because it prevents anemia. Foods rich in iron include high-protein foods like lentils, poultry, red meat, fish, and enriched pasta. The authors point out that preterm birth is a leading cause of infant disease and death. Preterm birth occurs in about one in 10 pregnancies across the world. Therefore, anything which can be done to better understand the conditions which lead to preterm birth will be significant in helping to improve survival and long-term health outcomes for kids. ...

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