How to Have a Healthy Baby in Pregnancy

A new study has shown that not only is iodine essential for the health of a growing baby, but that about two-thirds of women don’t get enough of the micronutrient. The study, published by the American Academy of Paediatrics, said that many pregnant and breastfeeding women may be slightly iodine deficient because iodine consumption has dropped over the last few years.

Iodine is a nutrient essential to healthy brain development because it is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone. A severely deficient foetus could develop irreversible mental retardation, but even a mild deficiency can reduce the intelligence of the child. Iodine deficiency can also make the child vulnerable to environmental pollutants like those in tobacco smoke.

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics report, the amount of iodine in the diet of the general population may be decreasing because of an increase in the consumption of processed foods, which generally use non-iodised salt.

Prenatal supplements contain the essential nutrients needed for the healthy development of the baby and during breastfeeding. According to a New England Journal of Medicine report, not all prenatal vitamins contain iodine and those that do may not contain the recommended amount.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should find a prenatal supplement that contains about 150 micrograms of iodine, which is a source of iodine that easily absorbed. This amount, combined with dietary iodine from dairy, seafood, and iodised salt sources, should increase total iodine consumption to the necessary amounts of 220 micrograms for pregnant women, and 290 micrograms for breastfeeding women.

Too much iodine can also be detrimental to health so pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking multiple doses of iodine supplements or iodine-containing prenatal vitamins daily. Importantly, the American Academy of Paediatrics report notes that whole foods are still the best way to ensure that your diet contains all the necessary micronutrients for good health, even during pregnancy and breastfeeding.