The juxtaposition of these two phrases is not meant to show a causal relationship. Rather, it was to show that even though the diet was not ideal, the women gave plenty of suck and were strong. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon are written in the Hebrew style which is basically patriarchal. The result is that the record contains precious few descriptions of the contributions of the women to society. This should not be construed to mean that there weren't any. Rather, we should glean all we can from those passages which show the fortitude of these women. Certainly, traveling through the Arabian Peninsula while being heavy with child is no small sacrifice. These women had left all behind. They had to exercise faith in the Lord and in Lehi's visions.