Pregnancy is a time when a woman needs to take proper care of her health not only for herself but for her growing baby too. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet during this period for the proper growth and development of the fetus.

However, due to societal pressure and unrealistic beauty standards, many women try to adopt extreme dieting during pregnancy, which can have severe consequences. Here are some of the dangers of extreme dieting during pregnancy that expecting mothers should be aware of.

1. Poor Fetal Growth

During pregnancy, the fetus depends entirely on the mother for nourishment. If a mother adopts an extreme diet and does not consume enough nutrients, it can lead to poor fetal growth and development.

This can result in low birth weight babies who are at an increased risk of health problems and developmental delays.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Extreme dieting during pregnancy can lead to several nutritional deficiencies, such as insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, folic acid, calcium, and protein.

These nutrients are crucial for the proper growth and development of the fetus, and their deficiency can result in serious complications for both the mother and baby.

3. Birth Defects

The proper growth and development of the fetus depend on the mother’s nutrition. If a mother does not consume enough nutrients, it can increase the risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects.

A neural tube defect is a severe congenital disability that affects the brain and spinal cord development of the baby and can lead to long-term health problems.

4. Preterm Labour

Extreme dieting during pregnancy can lead to preterm labour, which is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation.

Preterm labour is associated with a range of health problems, including developmental disabilities, respiratory distress, and vision and hearing problems. It is important to note that preterm labour is a leading cause of infant mortality.

5. Increased Risk of Miscarriage

Extreme dieting during pregnancy can also increase the risk of miscarriage, which is the loss of the pregnancy before the 20th week. A miscarriage can occur due to several reasons, including chromosomal abnormalities and maternal nutrition deficiencies.

Women who adopt an extreme diet during pregnancy are at an increased risk of miscarriage, which can be emotionally and physically traumatic.

6. Malnutrition and Dehydration

Extreme dieting during pregnancy can lead to malnutrition and dehydration, which can have adverse effects on both the mother and baby.

Malnutrition in a mother can lead to the breakdown of body tissues, which can cause the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream that can harm the growing fetus. Dehydration can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, preterm labour, and kidney stones.

7. Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that affects some women after giving birth. It is a severe condition that can have long-term effects on both the mother and baby’s health.

Women who adopt an extreme diet during pregnancy are at an increased risk of postpartum depression, which can have severe consequences.

8. Eating Disorders

Women who adopt an extreme diet during pregnancy are at an increased risk of developing eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Eating disorders are severe mental illnesses that can have severe long-term effects on a person’s health. It is important to note that eating disorders not only harm the mother but can also have severe consequences for the growing baby.

9. Compromised Immune System

Extreme dieting during pregnancy can compromise the mother’s immune system, making her more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. A mother’s immunity is crucial for providing protection to the growing fetus against various infections.

A compromised immune system can pose severe health risks to both the mother and baby.

10. Increased Maternal Mortality

Extreme dieting during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal mortality, which is the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within six weeks after giving birth. Maternal mortality is a severe problem that affects many women worldwide.

Women who adopt an extreme diet during pregnancy are at an increased risk of maternal mortality due to several factors, including malnutrition, dehydration, and weakness due to extreme dieting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, extreme dieting during pregnancy can have severe consequences for both the mother and the growing fetus. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy to ensure the proper growth and development of the baby.

Women who are struggling with unhealthy eating habits during pregnancy should seek help from healthcare professionals to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.