L3 Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential outcome associated with low maternal selenium status during pregnancy?

Preterm birth (correct)

Improved mood and physical fitness

Lower blood pressure

Increased risk of gestational diabetes

Which of the following foods should pregnant women avoid to reduce the risk of food-borne pathogens?

Cooked chicken

Pasteurized cheese

Fresh vegetables

Raw or undercooked meat (correct)

Which benefit of exercise during pregnancy is directly linked to easing physical discomfort?

Lessens lower back pain (correct)

Improves sleep quality

Lowers blood pressure

Enhances mood

What is the recommended duration of moderate exercise per day for pregnant women without complications?

30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fish should pregnant women avoid due to high mercury content?

Swordfish Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended reason for exercise during pregnancy?

To lose weight rapidly Signup and view all the answers

Why is iodine considered essential during pregnancy?

Essential for thyroid hormones Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contraindicated type of physical activity for pregnant women according to ACOG?

High-impact aerobics Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important preventable cause of brain damage during pregnancy?

Iodine deficiency Signup and view all the answers

Why do women need to increase their iodine intake by about 50% during pregnancy?

To support fetal thyroid hormone production Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is essential during the first trimester as organs are being formed?

Zinc Signup and view all the answers

What is the absorption rate of heme iron compared to non-heme iron?

2%-13% for non-heme, 25% for heme Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons pregnant women need increased nutrient requirements?

To provide nutrients for multiple developing systems Signup and view all the answers

What role does Vitamin C play in relation to iron during pregnancy?

Enhances iron absorption from plant-based sources Signup and view all the answers

Inadequate magnesium intake during pregnancy is associated with which of the following risks?

Fetal growth retardation Signup and view all the answers

What is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) primarily associated with?

Consumption of alcohol during pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a role of Vitamin C during pregnancy?

Increases the risk of infections Signup and view all the answers

Why is it suggested that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake?

Caffeine enters the fetal bloodstream and could cause issues Signup and view all the answers

What serious risk can illegal drugs pose to a fetus?

They can cause the infant to be born addicted to substances Signup and view all the answers

What condition may be prevented by adequate Vitamin C intake during pregnancy?

Preeclampsia Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant nutritional challenge faced by adolescents who become pregnant?

Their ongoing growth requires more nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why nutrition is important during pregnancy?

Preventing infections entirely Signup and view all the answers

What are potential consequences of inadequate nutrition during pregnancy?

Low birth weight and premature birth Signup and view all the answers

What effect can passive smoking have on fetal development?

It can cause developmental issues Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of thiamine deficiency during pregnancy?

It causes gastrointestinal issues in the fetus. Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is essential for the production of red blood cells?

Vitamin B12 Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with inadequate niacin intake during pregnancy?

Increased risk of congenital anomalies. Signup and view all the answers

Which food source is rich in choline, important for fetal brain development?

Eggs Signup and view all the answers

Why is maternal supplementation with folic acid recommended?

To reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of hypervitaminosis A during pregnancy?

Fetal damage. Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin has associations with gestational diabetes and pregnancy depression?

Vitamin B6 Signup and view all the answers

What role does Pantothenic Acid (B5) play during pregnancy?

It helps ease leg cramps. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Impact of Nutrition on Pregnancy

Good nutrition during pregnancy is essential for the mother and child.
Increased nutrient requirements during pregnancy include:
- Fetus
- Amniotic fluid
- Placenta
- Increased blood volume
- Breast, uterus, and fat tissue
Lifestyle choices impact fetal development.

Alcohol & Tobacco

Alcohol consumption is associated with stunted physical and mental development in a fetus.
This is known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
Infants with FAS can be premature and have a low birth weight.
Passive smoking can also impact fetal development.

Caffeine

Caffeine crosses the placenta and enters the fetal bloodstream.
High doses of caffeine in pregnant rats showed birth defects, but there is no clear evidence that moderate amounts are harmful for humans.
Pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine intake to 1-2 cups of caffeinated beverages per day, or less than 300 mg.
It is recommended to gradually reduce caffeine intake during pregnancy planning.

Illegal Drugs

Illegal drugs can be harmful to fetal development and growth.
Illegal drug use can lead to the infant being born addicted to the substance.

Adolescent Pregnancy

Adolescent pregnancies face greater nutritional challenges than adult pregnancies.
Adolescent bodies are still growing and developing and may struggle to meet the increased nutrient demands of pregnancy.
Increased risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight is linked to placental function changes in pregnant adolescents.

Food Safety

Certain foods can be unsafe during pregnancy:
- Unpasteurized milk and juices
- Raw or partially cooked eggs
- Sushi or sashimi
- Raw or undercooked meat and poultry
Certain fish should be avoided including:
- Shark
- Swordfish
- King mackerel
- Tilefish
Pregnant women should be cautious about exposure to food-borne pathogens.

Exercise During Pregnancy

Benefits of exercise during pregnancy:
- Physical fitness
- Enhanced mood
- Sense of control over body changes
- Lower risk of gestational diabetes
- Lower blood pressure
- Less lower back pain
- Reduced gastrointestinal issues (constipation, bloating)
- Better sleep
- Improved strength, muscle tone, and endurance which can be helpful during labor and recovery
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week for pregnant women without complications.

Nutrients Requirement’s Increased During Pregnancy

Minerals

Selenium: Low maternal selenium levels are linked to poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth.
Iodine: Essential for thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and neurological disorders. Increased intake is needed during pregnancy as the fetal thyroid is not fully functional until the 12th week of gestation.
Zinc: Crucial during the first trimester for organ development and immune system growth.
Iron: Essential for oxygen delivery to tissues. Inadequate iron during pregnancy can impact fetal growth and development and increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.
Magnesium: A cofactor in over 300 enzymes, low magnesium levels are linked to miscarriage, fetal growth retardation, maternal hospitalizations, and preterm delivery.

Vitamins

Vitamin C: Improves vascular function and elasticity, crucial for bone development, a boost for the immune system, enhances iron and folic acid absorption.
Vitamin A: Deficiency is connected to impaired immune system and increased mortality due to infectious disease.
Thiamine (B1): Deficiency can have negative impacts on the mother and fetus, including cardiac, neurologic, and psychological effects.
Riboflavin (B2): Higher intake is associated with a lower risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
Niacin (B3): Low intake is linked to congenital anomalies in offspring.
Choline (B4): Plays a role in brain development and may help prevent birth defects.
Pantothenic Acid (B5): Can help ease leg cramps.
Vitamin B6: Low levels have been linked to GDM and “pregnancy depression”.
Folate (B9): Crucial for DNA and RNA synthesis. Supplementation is recommended to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Vitamin B12: Essential for red blood cell production, genetic material manufacturing, and healthy nervous system function.

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Description

Explore the essential role of nutrition during pregnancy and its impact on fetal development. Learn how lifestyle choices, including alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine intake, can affect both the mother and the child. This quiz covers vital information for expectant mothers regarding healthier choices for pregnancy.