As a midwife, you play a critical role in preparing mum for the birth and giving the baby the best possible start in life. Nutrition of the mother and developing foetus is a key part of this preparation.
By Elaine Gardner, Freelance Dietitian
This is more important than ever when viewed in the context of current trends such as rising obesity levels, an increasing reliance on pre-made and packaged foods; and limited support from family networks.
To help you provide this essential advice, here is more specific information about the impact of lifestyle and diet in pregnancy and foetal immune system development. Practical suggestions on nutrition and lifestyle questions to ask mothers, that can be fitted into your existing classes and protocols, are also given.
Nutrition and the development of a healthy immune system
The immune system is a complex defence mechanism that protects against illnesses and infections. Immunity is obtained via the:
innate immune system, that consists of physical and chemical barriers (such as the skin or gut lining) and cells like white blood cells that can engulf and digest bacteria and foreign particles1
acquired immune system, that is involved in the specific recognition of foreign bodies (antigens) to which an antibody is produced to attack and render the foreign body harmless1Furthermore, a healthy immune system is able to stimulate the growth and repair of mucosal linings1, especially in the gut and so:
reduces any vulnerability to micro-organisms
targets pathogenic bacteria to prevent their growth and their adhesion to the gut wall
kills infected cells
destroys some viruses and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria.These processes help the body to develop more resistance to infections.
The role of the mother in foetal immune system developmentThe nutrients required by the foetus for a healthy immune system are derived from the mother`s diet and transported across the placenta. In the early stages of foetal development, the building blocks of the innate immune system are formed2. These building blocks require the nutrients obtained from proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals in foods, as well as carbohydrates to fulfil energy needs. Nutrients that are particularly important for the immune system are the fat-soluble vitamins3,4 and the minerals iron5, zinc6,7 and selenium8.In the last trimester of pregnancy, Long Chain Polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) (a particular type of omega fat found in oily fish and linseed oil)9 and vitamin E3 are transferred from the mother to the foetus to further boost the immune system. Antibodies that are important in the acquired immune system of the foetus are also transferred at this time. These antibodies confer acquired immunity on the baby for the first three months of life.It is therefore important for both the maternal and foetal immune systems that a balanced, healthy diet containing a wide variety of beneficial nutrients is consumed throughout pregnancy (see Table 1).
* Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of specific “friendly” bacteria (also called probiotics) in the intestinal tract. In other words, prebiotics are foods not for us, but for our “good” bacteria because they stimulate their growth in our digestive tracts. Foods rich in prebiotics include bananas, garlic, leeks, onions and tomatoes ** see checklist on foods to avoid in pregnancy
