ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Principles of Upbringing Children Chapter 8: The Mothers Nutrition Research on the different types of food materials is not in the scope of this book nor can we enumerate the qualities of each because it is a subject that requires consideration at length. Nor is the author an expert on the subject of nutrition. Luckily many useful books have been published on the subject and the readers interested in a more detailed study may refer to such books.

But it will not be out of place if we have a cursory look on the subject. Although the nutrition intake requirement of pregnant women increases, it is a matter of worry that their appetite generally reduces in this condition. Many of them feel listless and dull. In such a state they need to plan to consume concentrates which are foods with lesser bulk and more nutritive value. The nutrients required by the human body are contained in different types of food materials.

Therefore keeping variety in the ration of a pregnant woman gives scope for designing ideal feeding program for her. The experts in this field write: “To keep the body fit not only food intake is necessary but also it should be a planned mix of food materials taken at planned intervals.”[^1] The mother should ensure that she takes supplemental vitamins and minerals with the morning and evening meals that will help the foetus in the seventh month.

This will not only help in the proper growth of the teeth and the gums but also some other important bones of the body.[^2] Dr. Giasuddin Jazairi writes: “Consumption of yoghurt and cheese during pregnancy provides vitamins and fats to the woman and prevents her from consuming many other unnecessary things which she might otherwise be inclined to eat. She should however avoid taking sour yoghurt. Stale cheese may also not taste well.

At breakfast she should take a glass of milk and a broth of oats. Vitamin B is present plentifully in liver, kidneys, intestines that are useful foods and should form a part of the pregnant woman’s diet.[^3] It is better that the pregnant women should take milk at regular intervals. This is a complete food and the Prophets in the past were very fond of this food. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq says: “Milk is the food of the Prophets."[^4] Dr.

Giasuddin Jazairi writes: “Most women feel pain in the limbs and the back due to deficiency of calcium during pregnancy. They also find their nails breaking during this period.