Final answer:
Essential nutrients, avoiding toxins, and hormonal changes are paramount during pregnancy. Nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids are vital, and avoiding harmful substances helps prevent birth defects. Regular prenatal care is critical for monitoring health and reducing complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
During pregnancy, it's crucial for a mother to take good care of herself and the developing fetus. The mother becomes the primary source of nourishment and must increase her intake of essential nutrients. Especially important are folic acid, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, as these contribute to the normal development of the fetus and help prevent birth defects. Monitoring and avoiding exposure to toxins like alcohol, illegal drugs, and certain medications is also paramount, particularly in the first eight weeks post-fertilization when the major organs are forming.
Pregnant women must manage an increase in caloric intake to account for the additional energy requirements. It is also important to ensure that the maternal blood volume, which increases by 30 percent, and the respiratory minute volume, which increases by 50 percent, are well-maintained, supporting both the mother and the developing fetus. Routine prenatal care is advised to monitor health and reduce the risk of complications.
To avoid any potential harm to the baby, pregnant women are advised to avoid alcohol, certain medications, and other harmful substances especially during the first trimester. Hormonal changes, highlighted by increases in estrogen, progesterone, and hCG, are responsible for many physiological adaptations during pregnancy. These hormones help in maintaining the pregnancy, promoting fetal viability, and supporting the mother's physiological changes.