First Thousand Days of Babies Life Crucial witn Regard to Diabetes

Wed, 17 Aug 2011
An increasing amount of research suggests that the first thousand days of a child’s life, that is, the nine months in the womb and the first two years outside the womb, are crucial for its wellbeing .

This period of time is critical for a child in terms of developing diabetes or having a heart attack in old age. This duration of time also affects the child's future weight as well as life expectancy.

Inadequate nutrition in a mother can adversely affect the unborn baby’s weight and how effectively the placenta functions, whilst stress, smoking, drugs and alcohol of course take a toll.

Lots of health problems can be traced back to inadequate growth in the womb.

The less the baby weighs at birth, the greater the chance of heart disease in old age. A baby weighing less than 5lb 7oz is doubly likely to die from a heart attack than one born at 9lb 7oz.

When there is little food in the womb it is sent to the foetal brain which leaves the heart weakened. Diabetes can start from here, as the pancreatic cells which make insulin develop in the womb. Uteral conditions can impact many health conditions later in life.

No ill health has to be set in stone if good healthy eating is pursued by women is something re ‘set in stone’ and cannot be undone. He added that the key to health is ensuring women eat well throughout their lives.

Hence, a healthy, substantial enough diet is crucial during pregnancy for mother and baby.

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