A pregnancy diet is especially important for the mother and the baby. A well balanced and nutritious diet gives way to a healthy and smooth pregnancy. It also helps the body to fight infections and provides all important nutrients to the foetus. Along with the diet, it is important to have a proper intake of minerals and vitamins. An essential mineral for the proper growth of the baby is Phosphorus. Phosphorus during pregnancy plays an integral role in the mental development of the baby.
Minerals are an important constituent of the pregnancy diet. Phosphorus helps in building strong bones for the mother and the baby. It helps with other body functions like blood clotting, muscle contraction, and regulating the normal rhythm of the heart. The body derives phosphorus from foods like fish, eggs, and dairy products. Having a properly well-balanced diet provides the correct dosage of phosphorus needed by the body.
In This Article
- What is Phosphorus?
- Why is Phosphorus Necessary During Pregnancy?
- How Much Phosphorus is Optimal During Pregnancy?
- What Foods Are Rich in Phosphorus?
- Are Phosphorus Supplements Required During Pregnancy?
- What is The Risk of Too Much Phosphorus Intake During Pregnancy?
- FAQ’s
What is Phosphorus?
The second most plentiful mineral present in the body is phosphorus. Eighty-five per cent of phosphorus is present in bones. Various body functions like cell repair, blood clotting, muscle movement, tissue repair and nerve functioning are due to phosphorus. It is also vital for teeth and bones development. An even integral role for the nucleic acids and the cell membrane.
Why is Phosphorus Necessary During Pregnancy?
A good pregnancy diet comprises essential nutrients and minerals. Phosphorus has a vital role in the proper development of the baby. It is crucial for the bone-strengthening of the mother. Phosphorus also offers a few other functions during pregnancy which are:
1. Maintaining Proper Health
Phosphorus is important to essential to avoid exhaustion and weariness during pregnancy. Phosphorus helps in maintaining the heart rhythm and proper blood clotting. As pregnancy advances, the need for phosphorus starts rising. An inadequate amount of phosphorus in the diet can result in irritation, and joint and bone pain. It even results in a loss of appetite. In extreme conditions, it can result in depression as well.
2. Correct Bone Development
Phosphorus is integral for the proper development of the bones and the teeth of the child. With calcium and vitamin D, phosphorus also helps in the formulation of bones and healthy teeth in an infant. Phosphorus is also responsible for keeping an equilibrium between the three nutrients. Any deficiency in either of these can result in severe changes for a foetus.
3. Growth of the Baby’s Brain
Both calcium and phosphorus are collectively responsible for the proper development of the nervous system of the foetus. Phosphorous also improves cerebral activity and brain development.
4. Regulation of Metabolism
A vital role of phosphorus during pregnancy is to regulate the metabolism process and even convert the food into energy. Additional energy is required during pregnancy for coping with fast-paced changes in the body.
5. Digestive System of the Fetus
Phosphorus is a mineral that the foetus needs for developing its internal organs. It aids the baby’s body in integrating all nutrients. Also important for developing the digestive system by increasing the gastric secretion of the baby’s body. Phosphorous prepares the baby for working in an autonomous manner once they are born.
[Read : Know Everything About Your Baby’s Digestive System]
6. Regulates the Suitable Transmission of Hereditary Traits
Phosphorus has a link with regulating hereditary traits and transferring to the baby. It is also vital for the RNA and the DNA structure of the foetus. Phosphorus supports the foetus in reacting to different sounds and even mood reactions.
How Much Phosphorus is Optimal During Pregnancy?
If a woman is pregnant in her twenty’s or above, the requirement is 700 mg daily while women who are younger than 18 years need 1250 mg daily. The requirement stays normal through adulthood and being pregnant or lactating will not alter the requirement. The body absorbs less phosphorus is the calcium levels are surging and vice versa. Vitamin D helps in absorbing both nutrients.
What Foods Are Rich in Phosphorus?
Phosphorus is particularly important during pregnancy but at the same time, its intake must be balanced. The pregnancy diet affects the growth and the development of the baby. A well-balanced meal keeps away the potential threats of deficiency. The absorption of phosphorus is the best from animal sources. It is best to soak the cereals in water for 30 minutes, let them swell, and then cook to get maximum benefits of phosphorus.
Excellent sources of phosphorus from animal and plant sources are given below.
- Lean meats
- Milk
- Yoghurt
- Bread
- Beans
- Millets
- Lentils
- Egg yolk
- Cheese
- Peas
- Ice-cream
- Beef
- Rabbit
- Veal
- Parsley
- Rice
- Wheat bran
- Wheat sprouts
- Almonds
- Salmon
- Peanuts
- Fish
- Turkey
- Steak
[Read : Is it Safe to Eat Peanuts During Pregnancy]
Are Phosphorus Supplements Required During Pregnancy?
A well-balanced diet during pregnancy rules the chances of taking Phosphorus supplements. In case undergoing any medication, which can restrict phosphorus absorption, the doctor will advise changes to the diet for compensating. Under extreme cases, doctors can prescribe phosphorus supplements but usually, a healthy balanced diet will fulfil your daily requirement of phosphorus during pregnancy.
What is the Risk of Too Much Phosphorus Intake During Pregnancy?
Excess consumption of phosphorus during pregnancy can be detrimental to the health of the mother and the developing foetus. It can be toxic in severe cases as well. An overdose of phosphorus can result in diarrhoea and can obstruct absorbing of other important minerals. If excess amounts of phosphorus are present in the body, it can lead to the creation of mineral deposits in the muscles resulting in the hardening of tissues in the body. There have been food poisoning cases reported as well. It is thus important to have a proper mix of the three nutrients, Phosphorus, calcium, and Vitamin D.
It is easy to obtain phosphorus from animal and plant sources. The body can absorb phosphorus in a better way from animal sources like eggs, meat and dairy. It is always advised to get oneself evaluated for phosphate levels if feeling severe fatigue during pregnancy. Never take supplements without a recommendation from the doctor. Keep fit, stay healthy and let the little foetus develop with proper nourishment.
FAQ’s
1. What Does Phosphorus do For Your Baby During Pregnancy?
Phosphorus is essential for the proper development of bones and teeth. This mineral is also essential for the formation and proper functioning of the heart. Phosphorus ensures that your baby goes through all the stages of development properly and also ensures healthy childbirth.
2. Why do You Need Phosphorus During Pregnancy?
Phosphorus is an important nutrient during pregnancy. It helps in the formation of teeth and bones, maintains heart development and health, and also influences the traits through DNA and RNA. For the pregnant woman, this mineral helps in blood clotting and wound healing, cell and tissue repair, and proper functioning of the kidneys and the nervous system.
3. How Much Phosphorus is Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women should maintain their phosphorus intake at 1250 mg per day. This requirement can easily be met through a balanced diet and additional supplements are generally not necessary.
Read Also: Selenium During Pregnancy
