Paediatric illnesses
Baby allergy prevention starts with your diet during pregnancy.
The saying goes, "What's learned at three lasts a lifetime," but in reality, from the moment of conception, adequate preparation and planning by parents can significantly impact their baby's lifelong health. A balanced diet lays a good foundation for the pregnant woman's body, which is crucial for the health and development of the fetus.
The ideal time for expectant mothers to begin a healthy, balanced diet is 3 months to 1 year before conception, in order to prepare their body in the best possible condition for pregnancy. Once pregnancy begins, to ensure the baby's healthy growth, it is even more important to focus on nutrient absorption and adjust lifestyle habits. During pregnancy, mothers must eat healthily, while also being mindful of avoiding overeating. It is important to ensure adequate and balanced nutrition in one's daily diet, which will be the primary nourishment for foetal development, such as calcium, iron, protein, vitamins, folic acid, and omega-3s. However, it is important to avoid foods containing alcohol, caffeine, high fat, additives, high salt, and high sugar. Drinking plenty of water can also help reduce the chances of developing gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Mothers who smoke should quit immediately to prevent the baby's health from being affected. During pregnancy, it is also advisable to avoid foods that are common allergens, as this can reduce the chance of the child developing allergies after birth.
After the baby is born, whether you are breastfeeding or not, mothers must eat well to replenish the energy lost during labour. A balanced diet aids postnatal recovery, and mothers should obtain sufficient nutrients from four main food groups: dairy and calcium-rich foods (fresh milk), protein-rich foods (meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and dried beans, etc.), grain-rich foods (rice, wheat, etc.), and fruits and vegetables. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid passing stimulating substances to the baby through breast milk, which can cause allergic reactions.
Examples of foods to avoid during pregnancy:
- Foods with too much vitamin A
- Peanuts and peanut products
- Fish containing mercury, such as shark, swordfish, marlin, etc.
- Caffeinated drinks: such as: coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, etc.
- Smoking, alcohol
- Pesticide-contaminated fruit and vegetables
- Eat more tinned food
