L3 Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy

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.