As a pregnant woman begins her pregnancy journey, ensuring optimal health is paramount. It helps protect both mother and fetus from many dangerous diseases, including cancer. According to the latest estimates of the global burden of disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), there will be over 14.1 million new cancer cases in India in 2022 and over 9.1 million deaths from the disease. The report further identified breast and cervical cancer as the most diagnosed cancers among women.
Expectant mothers should keep the following in mind during pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing cancer:
maintain a balanced diet
Make sure to eat a nutritionally balanced diet. Expectant mothers should focus on incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into their diets. From a nutritional perspective, this can help ensure you get the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for cell repair and immune function, which may reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Additionally, eating certain diets such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, and fortified cereals may help reduce your risk of cancer. Similarly, people who consume meat may be able to prevent the development of cancer by consuming foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and soybean oil.
Stay hydratedAdequate hydration is extremely important during pregnancy, as water helps transport nutrients, remove waste products, and maintain overall body function. Pregnant women should drink plenty of water throughout the day to support hydration and overall health.
Limit intake of processed foodsExpectant mothers should limit their intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates. Not only are these items deficient in essential nutrients, but they can also contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and an increased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
avoid intoxicantsTobacco, alcohol, and smoking should be avoided during or before pregnancy. All three substances have been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, making it especially important to avoid them to protect fetal development and maternal health.
avoid pollutionEnvironmental factors are also important causes of cancer. Women should avoid contaminated air as much as possible during pregnancy. Additionally, using sunscreen can limit your exposure to harmful UV rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
physical activityFrom a lifestyle perspective, regular physical activity during pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and fetus. Moderate exercise, such as slow walking or prenatal yoga, not only increases your physical fitness, but also helps manage stress and improves mood swings, an important aspect of your overall health during pregnancy.
Women have to take more care of their health during pregnancy, especially in countries like India where cancer rates are high. During this period, not only the mother's own health, but also the health of her child depends on her. By keeping the above in mind, women can experience a healthy pregnancy and protect themselves and their children from dangerous diseases such as cancer.
(Author: Samiksha Kalla Gupta, Senior Nutritionist, Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi)
Expectant mothers should keep the following in mind during pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing cancer:
maintain a balanced diet
Make sure to eat a nutritionally balanced diet. Expectant mothers should focus on incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into their diets. From a nutritional perspective, this can help ensure you get the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for cell repair and immune function, which may reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Additionally, eating certain diets such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, and fortified cereals may help reduce your risk of cancer. Similarly, people who consume meat may be able to prevent the development of cancer by consuming foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and soybean oil.
Stay hydratedAdequate hydration is extremely important during pregnancy, as water helps transport nutrients, remove waste products, and maintain overall body function. Pregnant women should drink plenty of water throughout the day to support hydration and overall health.
Limit intake of processed foodsExpectant mothers should limit their intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates. Not only are these items deficient in essential nutrients, but they can also contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and an increased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
avoid intoxicantsTobacco, alcohol, and smoking should be avoided during or before pregnancy. All three substances have been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, making it especially important to avoid them to protect fetal development and maternal health.
avoid pollutionEnvironmental factors are also important causes of cancer. Women should avoid contaminated air as much as possible during pregnancy. Additionally, using sunscreen can limit your exposure to harmful UV rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
physical activityFrom a lifestyle perspective, regular physical activity during pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and fetus. Moderate exercise, such as slow walking or prenatal yoga, not only increases your physical fitness, but also helps manage stress and improves mood swings, an important aspect of your overall health during pregnancy.
Women have to take more care of their health during pregnancy, especially in countries like India where cancer rates are high. During this period, not only the mother's own health, but also the health of her child depends on her. By keeping the above in mind, women can experience a healthy pregnancy and protect themselves and their children from dangerous diseases such as cancer.
(Author: Samiksha Kalla Gupta, Senior Nutritionist, Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi)