Supervisors info:
Καλανταρίδου Σοφία, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Σιούτης Δήμος , Ακαδημαϊκός Υπότροφος, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Βαλσαμάκης Γεώργιος, Ακαδημαϊκός Υπότροφος ,Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Ever since the ancient times, and taking into consideration the historical references, reproduction has always been a complex domain and one biological procedure of great importance for males and females, engaging many organs and systems of the human body, having as the main purpose the preservation and the evolution of mankind. Gestation, being on the one hand characterized by being a multiprismatic procedure, is one of the most natural and fundamental operations of the living organisms.
During the gestation, a broad spectrum of physiological changes occurs, involving almost all of the organs, framing and ensuring the fetus, until its developmental procedures are complete. Those physiological alterations, on the one hand referring to the fetus, and on the other hand referring to the pregnant woman’s organic systems have an equalizing character, neutralizing the balance between the brand new growing organism and the host. All the above- mentioned systematic procedures, are being supported via nutrition, covering the needs in micronutrients and calories of the mother and the developing fetus. The multi-dimensional privileges of following a healthy balanced dietary profile during the pregnancy and in the pre conception period had always been an object of observation for the scientific community worldwide.
More specifically, the high importance of perceiving an adequate proportion of a broad spectrum of micro and macronutrients such as folic acid, calcium, ferrum, water and fat soluble vitamins is highlighted, referring to the amelioration of the reproductive health as well as the pregnancy outcome.
Controlled weight and caloric gain, following the pre existing Body Mass Index, is a key point for the smooth evolution of the gestation, and in parallel for the restriction of complications and poor postnatal outcomes. This personalization of the dietary protocols, functions as a safety valve, against excessive and in contrary poor nutrient and caloric intake, as well as the unwanted incidents that these imbalances are followed by, regarding the pregnant woman and the fetus. One of the problems following the excessive food intake (ref. binge eating disorder) or the low- quality nutrition is obesity, which is one of the most persistent health issues worldwide, causing a vast spectrum pathologic incidents in obstetrics and in the neonatal outcome, causing damages that may accompany the neonate for a lifetime.
Regarding to severity there are many pregnancy complications following eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, marking the certain gestation as high risk, due to the fact that there is an imbalance in the intake of the required nutrients required for the normal support of the procedures. Both of the abovementioned dietary disorders are rare during pregnancy, and are characterized by impersonal, social factors or existing predisposition.
The high importance of the guidance and advisory regarding the adaptation of healthy dietary protocols is underlined, marking in parallel the significance of physical activity. It is clear that the eating disorders require a fully contemporary approach, following exclusive methods as cognitive psychotherapy or pharmacological approach, having always as a landmark point the prevention.
In conclusion, midwives are the healthcare professionals that can offer dietary consultation to the pregnant women- especially to those having eating disorders-. During the prenatal courses, dietary education is combined with the information and the total support that the midwives provide during the long journey of gestation. Technically, midwives are the link between the healthcare providers composing the intrascientific team that takes over the holistic care of the pregnant woman throughout the gestation, especially for those having a documented history or a current dietary disorder, always focusing on the well being of the mother and the fetus.
Keywords:
Diet, Pregnancy, Οbesity, Anorexia, Midwife
