Category: Fetal development

Poor fetal growth or stunting in the first two years of life leads to irreversible damage, including shorter adult height, lower education, and reduced income. The repercussions of prenatal malnutrition can extend well beyond birth, influencing an individual's health trajectory for their entire lifespan and even impacting future generations.

Statistics from the CDC show that adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects. This essential nutrient is the specific vitamin required for neural tube development in embryos, a process that forms the baby's brain and spinal cord. Daily supplementation is crucial because this development occurs very early in gestation, often before a woman knows she is pregnant.

According to the National Academy of Medicine, most pregnant women do not consume enough choline, a vital nutrient predominantly found in egg yolks. This leads many to question: is yolk good during pregnancy? When properly cooked, the egg yolk is a powerhouse of nutrients essential for both maternal and fetal health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting 400 micrograms of folic acid daily can help prevent a type of serious birth defects called neural tube defects. However, folic acid is just one example of what nutrient is needed for embryonic development, as a vast array of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds are essential for a healthy pregnancy. A balanced maternal diet is fundamental to providing the necessary building blocks for a developing embryo's intricate growth.

Composed of 92% water, watermelon is a highly hydrating and refreshing fruit that can offer numerous benefits during pregnancy. But beyond satisfying thirst, how does watermelon affect fetal development and what specific nutrients does it provide for a growing baby?

A baby's heart begins to beat as early as the seventh week of pregnancy, a powerful sign of developing life. To support this critical stage and ensure the best possible start, understanding what to eat for fetus heartbeat is one of the most proactive steps an expecting mother can take.

According to the CDC, adequate intake of folic acid can prevent a significant percentage of neural tube defects (NTDs), which are major birth defects of the brain and spine. This essential B vitamin is vital during the earliest stages of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

According to UNICEF, maternal nutritional status significantly impacts a baby's health and development in the womb, and diets lacking key nutrients can have long-term consequences. It is essential for expectant mothers to understand what foods are good for baby growth during pregnancy to build a foundation for a healthy start in life.