Macronutrient Needs

Macronutrients during pregnancy are

necessary due to an increase in maternal
nutritional needs to fulfill metabolic and
physiological changes
 Carbohydrates
Main energy source for the body
To maintain body functions
Too much carbs: increase the risk factor for
babies to born with low weight
Two types of carbs
- Simple ; white sugar, red sugar
- Complex ; flour, rice, corn, wheat
 Protein
Needed for the process of embryogenesis, so that the
baby could be delivered normally
Too much proteins could inhibit the placentas growth
Deficiency of proteins could increase the risk factor for
babies to born with low weight
Mothers are suggested to consume 85-100 grams of
protein per day in the first five months of pregnancy
The next months, mothers can consume the number of
proteins normally for 19 weeks to support babys brain
cell growth
Example : tempe, tahu, milk, fish, meat, beef, chicken
 Fat
Providing metabolic energy, which will
produce saturated fatty acids and unsaturated
fatty acids
Fetus needs unsaturated fatty acid most,
example : DHA (Docosahexaeonic Acid) and
AA (Arachidonat Acid)
Mothers are suggested to consume sea fish
because it contains omega-3 fatty acids which
is very important for fetus brain cell