Why You Should Consider Working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Calling all expecting moms! Let's dive into something super important and often looked over—how your diet during pregnancy and the involvement of a Registered Dietitian (RDs) can shape not just your health but also the health of your little one. Your journey through pregnancy is unique and special, and understanding these aspects can help ensure it’s as smooth and healthy as possible.

Why Maternal Diet Matters

First things first, your diet during pregnancy is a big deal. You’re probably already aware of the basics, like the importance of eating balanced meals and getting the right mix of vitamins and minerals. Your healthcare provider likely talks about the importance of a prenatal vitamin, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and if you’re lucky, they have provided you with a brief education about food safety during pregnancy, such as avoiding undercooked meats and raw milk.

But the truth is, this barely scratches the surface of the nutritional considerations during pregnancy to reduce the risks of adverse health outcomes for both mom and baby. Of course, not everything is in our control, and nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle. However, there is tremendous benefit in working with a prenatal dietitian to help ensure the odds are stacked in your favor.

Research has shown that nutrition counseling during the preconception and prenatal periods by a prenatal RD can lead to better pregnancy outcomes. Women who receive dietary counseling are less likely to experience complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and it helps in reducing the risk of future maternal cardiovascular issues. For instance, reaching optimal choline intake during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preeclampsia and improve infant cognitive development and reaction time (Placenta, 2016; FASEB, 2013; FASEB, 2018). Shockingly, 94% of women of childbearing age are not consuming the recommended intake of choline, with vegetarians having the lowest intake (NHANES).

Working with an RD ensures you get adequate amounts of critical nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support maternal health and fetal development. This can potentially reduce the risk of birth defects and promote healthy fetal growth, cognitive development, bone health, and immunity.

The Role of Registered Dietitians (RDs)

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist are the unsung heroes of prenatal care. They're uniquely trained to provide nutrition counseling tailored to your individual needs. Even though they're not always mandatory members of prenatal healthcare teams, studies show that RD involvement can lead to better dietary habits, decrease prenatal symptoms and complications giving your baby the best start in life. Working with an RD benefits both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies.

What’s the Takeaway?

So, what's the bottom line? Including RDs in your prenatal care team can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to preventing both maternal and fetal complications. If you're pregnant or planning to be and want to ensure you receive optimal nutrition to best support you and your baby, consider consulting with an RD. We can provide invaluable advice tailored to your needs, helping ensure a healthier pregnancy for both you and your baby.

For a deeper dive into this fascinating topic, check out a literature review article here.

Stay healthy and happy, mamas!