Why is good nutrition important for a healthy pregnancy?
The nutrients that we get from our diet are essential in supporting human life and overall health. The diet that you follow throughout life can play a key role in how you experience day to day life; affecting your weight, energy levels, strength, immune system and mental capacity as well as your risk of developing a chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer.
In addition, before, during and after pregnancy, the foods and drinks you choose to consume directly affect your body’s ability to conceive, successfully carry a baby to term and effectively support your baby’s growth and development.
That is why it is so crucial for you to nourish your body with all the nutrients it needs throughout your pregnancy journey so that it can best do its job in supporting you as a mum and in growing a healthy tiny human.
The science of Dietetics is about understanding the ways in which diet can affect the human body in conjunction with the scientific comprehension of nutrition.
Nutritionist or Dieticians?
In Australia there is a distinction made between dietitians and other occupations in the nutrition and food science field, including that of a nutritionist.
A nutritionist may be a tertiary qualified nutrition professional that has the expertise to provide a range of evidence-based nutrition services related to nutrition, public health nutrition, policy and research, and community health. It’s important to note that the term ‘nutritionist’ is not regulated. Therefore, this title may be used by dietitians, nutrition scientists and nutrition graduates – and also those with very limited qualifications in nutrition.
Dietitians are also qualified to provide this range of evidence-based nutrition services, but in addition, dietitians have the expertise to provide individual dietary counselling, medical nutrition therapy, group dietary therapy and food service management. A dietitian has undertaken a course of study that included substantial theory and supervised and assessed professional practice in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy and food service management. A detailed list of the knowledge, skills and attributes of dietitians in Australia can be found in the National Competency Standards for Dietitians.
Dietitian or Nutritionist? – Dietitians Australia. (2020). Retrieved 1 June 2020, from https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/seeing-dietitian/what-expect/dietitian-or-nutritionistWhy should I see an Accredited practicing Dietitian?
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are university-qualified professionals that undertake ongoing training and education programs to ensure that they are your most up-to-date and credible source of nutrition information. They translate scientific health and nutrition information into practical advice, and practise in line with DAA Professional Standards, including the DAA Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Ethical Practice.
Why Choose an Accredited Practising Dietitian? – Dietitians Australia. (2020). Retrieved 1 June 2020, from https://daa.asn.au/what-dietitans-do/choosing-your-nutrition-expert/
Click here for more information on how an APD can help you.
Learn more about how Kat can help you throughout your pregnancy journey with her specialised knowledge in prenatal and paediatric nutrition and dietetics.
