In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Monash University have revealed that 96% of the energy required during pregnancy comes from the mother herself. The research, led by Ph.D. Dustin Marshall, estimated that pregnancy requires about 50,000 kilocalories of energy – much higher than previously expected.
The study found that only four percent of the energy used during pregnancy is stored in the baby’s tissues. This highlights the crucial role that the mother’s body plays in providing energy to the developing fetus. The findings were published in the journal Science and provide valuable insights into the energy dynamics of pregnancy.
The research also sheds light on why mammals take great care of their offspring even after they are born. It may be due to their high metabolism and need for more energy during pregnancy, which is reflected in their behavior towards their young ones even after birth.
The findings suggest that warm-blooded mammals need more energy for reproduction than reptiles, as their larger size and higher metabolism require more resources to sustain themselves and their offspring during pregnancy. This new knowledge provides a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in human reproduction and highlights the importance of maternal health during this critical period.