November 2003

The five stages of pregnancy: Third trimester

by Dr. Howard Loomis

This month I'll be discussing the final three months of the baby's development. In previous columns, I've covered: pre‑conception planning on the part of both the mother and father; conception, the first trimester and the role good fat and protein ingestion, digestion, and assimilation play in that process (this information is vital to prevent possible problems in the last trimester); and the second trimester and the role of the endocrine system in pregnancy.

In the third trimester, many things happen during the final 12 weeks ‑‑ much of it having to do with weight of the baby and the mother. By the beginning of the last trimester, most of the critical fetal formation is already finished, or at least well advanced, and the baby will now gain weight rapidly. The mother, on the other hand, generally starts gaining weight from the third month and hopefully maximum weight is gained between the fifth and the seventh month.

Ideally, an average healthy woman should gain only 22‑29 lbs. during pregnancy. This includes the weight of the baby, placenta, increased size of the uterus, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, mammary glands and fat laid down in the tissues in preparation for breast‑feeding.

Much care should be taken to ensure that weekly weight gain is not excessive. Sugar cravings play a prominent role here and are related to poor fat digestion and absorption. Those women who have digestive issues prior to becoming pregnant really struggle with weight during pregnancy because their stressed system now has greater metabolic needs to meet.

Of paramount importance is protein and fat digestion. Earlier, I discussed this thoroughly and will come back to the relationship of fat digestion and sugar cravings next time. For now, let's look at some common problems during the last trimester.

Edema (swelling) is a common problem in the latter part of pregnancy and should be carefully monitored to rule out pregnancy‑induced hypertension. Normally, adequate protein intake, digestion, and absorption will keep edema under control.

Frequent urination is another problem because the enlarging uterus exerts pressure against the bladder, producing the urge to urinate. It is important that fluid intake not be reduced. But, caffeine and cola drinks should be avoided since these beverages increase urination.

Constipation is common during pregnancy, perhaps due to hormonal changes or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine. However, a diet high in refined sugar and white flour is more often the cause. Plant enzyme supplements improve digestion of protein and fat, thereby curbing sugar cravings and making a diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables more tolerable. Obviously, desserts, caffeine, cola drinks, and alcohol should be avoided.

Now let's look at the consequences of ignoring diet, digestion, and assimilation: severe toxicity, diagnosed medically as toxemia of pregnancy or eclampsia. This fatal condition can develop in the second half of pregnancy and has no known etiology, although some believe it results from poor nutrition. In the early stages (preeclampsia), signs include high blood pressure (hypertension), protein in the urine (proteinuria), and excessive edema (not always present).

While the exact etiology may not be known, it is obvious that the organs of detoxification are severely stressed. This includes the liver and the kidneys, as well as the spleen‑in other words, the reticuloendothelial system (macrophages). This can result from poor dietary choices and enzyme deficiencies.

In my opinion, the protein‑digesting enzymes are of critical importance in this area. All nutritional planning during pregnancy should revolve around preventing the symptoms of preeclampsia. If you have been reading this column regularly, you understand the critical role that protein, including its digestion and assimilation, plays in the creation and maintenance of life.

Fetal development at the 28th week is significant because a baby can survive outside the uterus if the baby's lungs are capable of breathing, although only 10‑20% survive if born at this time. A fetus weighs about two‑and‑a‑half pounds and is considered legally viable.

By the 32nd week, the baby has gained another pound and will begin to reposition itself for the birthing process. Survival rate has improved to 50% if born at this time. Somewhere between the 30th and 34th week, the baby reaches the same size as the placenta.

Once the 36th week is reached, the survival rate has improved to 94% and the baby probably weighs about five‑and‑a‑half pounds.

By the 40th week, the baby has reached its birth size: about seven pounds and about 20 inches long. Length is considered the best indicator of maturity of fetus.

Next time I will complete this series with the birthing process, breast‑feeding, postpartum nutrition and depression.

(Dr. Loomis welcomes input on the subjects covered in this column. To make a comment or ask a question ‑‑ or to receive a free copy of his video titled, "Using Enzymes in Clinical Practice: The Loomis System" ‑‑ call 800/662‑2630 or write to Dr. Loomis at 6421 Enterprise Lane, Madison, WI 53719. Visit www.loomisenzymes.com online for information on upcoming Loomis Institute seminars.)

November 2003

The five stages of pregnancy: Third trimester by Dr. Howard Loomis

This month I'll be discussing the final three months of the baby's development. In previous columns, I've covered: pre‑conception planning on the part of both the mother and father; conception, the first trimester and the role good fat and protein ingestion, digestion, and assimilation play in that process (this information is vital to prevent possible problems in the last trimester); and the second trimester and the role of the endocrine system in pregnancy.

In the third trimester, many things happen during the final 12 weeks ‑‑ much of it having to do with weight of the baby and the mother. By the beginning of the last trimester, most of the critical fetal formation is already finished, or at least well advanced, and the baby will now gain weight rapidly. The mother, on the other hand, generally starts gaining weight from the third month and hopefully maximum weight is gained between the fifth and the seventh month.

Ideally, an average healthy woman should gain only 22‑29 lbs. during pregnancy. This includes the weight of the baby, placenta, increased size of the uterus, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, mammary glands and fat laid down in the tissues in preparation for breast‑feeding.

Much care should be taken to ensure that weekly weight gain is not excessive. Sugar cravings play a prominent role here and are related to poor fat digestion and absorption. Those women who have digestive issues prior to becoming pregnant really struggle with weight during pregnancy because their stressed system now has greater metabolic needs to meet.

Of paramount importance is protein and fat digestion. Earlier, I discussed this thoroughly and will come back to the relationship of fat digestion and sugar cravings next time. For now, let's look at some common problems during the last trimester.

Edema (swelling) is a common problem in the latter part of pregnancy and should be carefully monitored to rule out pregnancy‑induced hypertension. Normally, adequate protein intake, digestion, and absorption will keep edema under control.

Frequent urination is another problem because the enlarging uterus exerts pressure against the bladder, producing the urge to urinate. It is important that fluid intake not be reduced. But, caffeine and cola drinks should be avoided since these beverages increase urination.

Constipation is common during pregnancy, perhaps due to hormonal changes or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine. However, a diet high in refined sugar and white flour is more often the cause. Plant enzyme supplements improve digestion of protein and fat, thereby curbing sugar cravings and making a diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables more tolerable. Obviously, desserts, caffeine, cola drinks, and alcohol should be avoided.

Now let's look at the consequences of ignoring diet, digestion, and assimilation: severe toxicity, diagnosed medically as toxemia of pregnancy or eclampsia. This fatal condition can develop in the second half of pregnancy and has no known etiology, although some believe it results from poor nutrition. In the early stages (preeclampsia), signs include high blood pressure (hypertension), protein in the urine (proteinuria), and excessive edema (not always present).

While the exact etiology may not be known, it is obvious that the organs of detoxification are severely stressed. This includes the liver and the kidneys, as well as the spleen‑in other words, the reticuloendothelial system (macrophages). This can result from poor dietary choices and enzyme deficiencies.

In my opinion, the protein‑digesting enzymes are of critical importance in this area. All nutritional planning during pregnancy should revolve around preventing the symptoms of preeclampsia. If you have been reading this column regularly, you understand the critical role that protein, including its digestion and assimilation, plays in the creation and maintenance of life.

Fetal development at the 28th week is significant because a baby can survive outside the uterus if the baby's lungs are capable of breathing, although only 10‑20% survive if born at this time. A fetus weighs about two‑and‑a‑half pounds and is considered legally viable.

By the 32nd week, the baby has gained another pound and will begin to reposition itself for the birthing process. Survival rate has improved to 50% if born at this time. Somewhere between the 30th and 34th week, the baby reaches the same size as the placenta.

Once the 36th week is reached, the survival rate has improved to 94% and the baby probably weighs about five‑and‑a‑half pounds.

By the 40th week, the baby has reached its birth size: about seven pounds and about 20 inches long. Length is considered the best indicator of maturity of fetus.

Next time I will complete this series with the birthing process, breast‑feeding, postpartum nutrition and depression.

(Dr. Loomis welcomes input on the subjects covered in this column. To make a comment or ask a question ‑‑ or to receive a free copy of his video titled, "Using Enzymes in Clinical Practice: The Loomis System" ‑‑ call 800/662‑2630 or write to Dr. Loomis at 6421 Enterprise Lane, Madison, WI 53719. Visit www.loomisenzymes.com online for information on upcoming Loomis Institute seminars.)