The womb is a confined, bustling place with the mother and baby fighting for space and resources. The exchange of nutrients is vital for the foetus but can cause the mother harm.
- A foetus takes its nutrients from the mother through the uterine wall.
- If deprived of calcium, a foetus will take it from the mother's bones, causing osteoporosis.
- A mother must ingest twice as much iron during pregnancy to avoid becoming anaemic.
- Up to 3% of mothers become diabetic during pregnancy, due to a buildup of sugar in the blood.
From the moment the embryo attaches to the uterine wall, it takes what it needs from the mother without regard for her health.
The mother's body reacts to protect itself. But if the balance tips too far in either party's favour, a battle commences, which can have disastrous results.