Nutrition in Pregnancy and Infancy

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Questions and Answers

What factor can decrease sperm production and function in men?

Healthy diet rich in zinc

Regular physical exercise

Smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse (correct)

Consistent hydration practices

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of maternal obesity during pregnancy?

Induced labor

C-section delivery

Gestational diabetes

Increased fertility (correct)

What is the weight threshold for a baby to be categorized as low birth weight?

Less than 5.5 pounds (correct)

Less than 5.0 pounds

Less than 7.0 pounds

Less than 6.0 pounds

How does a man's diet affect his sperm health?

Zinc and antioxidants can support healthy sperm production. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk for underweight women during pregnancy?

Higher chances of delivering preterm or low birth weight babies Signup and view all the answers

What pregnancy complications are associated with being overweight?

Increased risk of hypertension and gestational diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What behavior should women avoid during pregnancy?

Attempting to lose weight Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle factors may negatively affect a pregnancy?

Smoking and alcohol consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following age groups presents the highest risk for complications in pregnancy?

Women under 20 Signup and view all the answers

How can obesity before pregnancy impact maternal health?

It can lead to an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary factor is not associated with increased risk during pregnancy?

Consumption of low-fat dairy products Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following socioeconomic factors may negatively influence pregnancy outcomes?

Poverty and limited food supply Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of the total weight gained during pregnancy is made up of the fetus?

One-third Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended weight gain for women with a BMI of 25-29.9 during pregnancy?

15-25 pounds Signup and view all the answers

During which trimester is the weight gain expected to be the least?

First trimester Signup and view all the answers

What is the daily requirement for folate during pregnancy?

600 micrograms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about calorie needs in the first trimester is correct?

No increase in calories is needed Signup and view all the answers

What weight gain recommendation applies to women with a BMI over 30?

11-20 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What factor increases the vitamin and mineral needs of pregnant women?

Increased metabolic demands Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended weight gain for women at a healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)?

25-35 pounds Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient's requirements are noted to increase after conception, though not for calories in the first trimester?

Folate Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by severe edema and protein losses in the urine?

Preeclampsia Signup and view all the answers

What is the only cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia?

Delivery of the baby Signup and view all the answers

Eclampsia can lead to which severe complication in pregnant women?

Seizures Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment approach for women with preeclampsia before delivery?

Bedrest, medications, and hospitalization Signup and view all the answers

Gestational hypertension occurs during which phase of pregnancy?

Early pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What factor is NOT associated with the potential complications of preeclampsia during pregnancy?

Increased nutrient supply from the placenta Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following complications could result from untreated eclampsia?

Severe maternal morbidity or death Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of preeclampsia?

No previous hypertension Signup and view all the answers

If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with severe edema and protein loss, she likely has which condition?

Preeclampsia Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hypertension in pregnancy, which condition is the most severe?

Eclampsia Signup and view all the answers

At what point during pregnancy is gestational diabetes most likely to onset?

After the 20th week Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended additional caloric intake during the second trimester of pregnancy?

340 kilocalories daily Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential complication of gestational diabetes for newborns?

Increased risk for jaundice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing gestational diabetes?

Being underweight Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum recommended amount of carbohydrates an individual should consume daily during pregnancy?

175 grams Signup and view all the answers

What is the increase in protein needs for pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women?

35 percent increase Signup and view all the answers

Jaundice in newborns is primarily caused by which substance in the blood?

Bilirubin Signup and view all the answers

What condition refers to high blood glucose levels that develop during pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What weight gain is recommended per week during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy?

0.5 to 1 pound weekly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about macrosomia is correct?

It refers to a large baby, often related to gestational diabetes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 17: Life Cycle Nutrition: Pregnancy through Infancy

Preconception Period: Lifestyle choices before conception affect the baby's health at birth and beyond.
Prenatal Development: A pregnant person's diet must support the health of the pregnant person and the growing baby. Full-term pregnancies last 39-40 weeks and are divided into three 13-week trimesters. Prenatal development is divided into embryonic and fetal periods. The embryonic stage is from week 3 to week 8 after conception and the fetal stage is from week 9 onward.
Placenta: The placenta allows the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and fetus through the umbilical cord. It prevents the passage of red blood cells, bacteria, and large proteins from mother to fetus. It also releases hormones to support physiological changes of pregnancy. Maternal and fetal blood do not mix but the placenta allows the embryo to use the mother's organ systems.
Learning Outcomes: The learning objectives of this chapter as outlined by the book cover topics ranging from the specifics of the stages of pregnancy and importance of the placenta, to dietary and lifestyle factors in a successful pregnancy, further to dietary needs and complications during pregnancy through infancy, including descriptions of breastfeeding benefits along with infant formula as a healthy alternative.
Factors for Prospective Fathers: Lifestyle and dietary habits of the father can affect fertility and sperm production. These factors include smoking, alcohol/drug abuse, and obesity.
Factors for Prospective Mothers (Pre-Pregnancy): Health professionals recommend that pregnant women attain a healthy weight prior to conception. Obesity and overweight could lead to fertility issues or complications during or after pregnancy. This includes an increased risk for gestational diabetes and hypertension, labor/C-sections, and birth defects. Underweight women may be at risk of delivering premature, low birth weight babies that may have developmental issues.
Factors for Prospective Mothers (During Pregnancy): Consume adequate folic acid (400-600 mcg) prior to and during pregnancy to reduce neural tube defects. Consume safe fish (2-3 servings a week) to avoid methylmercury that can harm the developing nervous system. Consume moderate amounts of caffeine (under 200 mg per day). Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Avoid dietary supplements (herbal remedies) since there may not be enough research to assess their safety. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and PKU since they affect pregnancy outcome.
First Trimester: Changes occur in the mother's body and fetus. The liver forms red blood cells, the heart begins to beat, limbs take shape, and the brain grows rapidly during this period.
Weight Gain during Pregnancy: The fetus makes up about one-third of the total weight gained during pregnancy; the remainder is composed of maternal tissues and fluids such as blood, uterus, and breasts. A woman at a healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) is recommended to gain between 25-35 pounds during pregnancy in total, with a recommended gain of 1-4.5 pounds in the first trimester.
Nutrient Intake: Increased needs for certain vitamins and minerals are present in pregnant women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Folates, iron, calcium, zinc, copper, and vitamin D are amongst the prominent nutrients required during pregnancy.
Morning Sickness: Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day and can be triggered by scents. To combat the symptoms, small, frequent meals with carbohydrates are recommended.
Food Safety: Pregnant women should avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk/cheese/juice, and raw sprouts. Excess vitamin A can be toxic in pregnancy. Sugar substitutes are okay in moderation with a balanced diet.
Nutritional Needs of Infants: Infants grow at an accelerated pace, increasing in weight by doubling their initial weight by 6-months and tripling it by 12-months. Adequate nutrition is crucial for infants' physical, social, and intellectual development. Specific requirements for daily kilocalories and nutrients, like carbohydrates (60-95 grams), proteins (9-11 grams), and fat (as needed) exist for the first 6 months and 7-12 months. Vitamin D, iron, and vitamin K are also needed.
Introduction of Solid Foods: The introduction of solid foods for infants is done gradually, usually when they reach 4-6 months of age. The parents should watch for any signs of food allergies. Different foods should be introduced individually over a time.
Food Allergies: A food allergy is an abnormal reaction of the immune system to a specific food; and those who have food allergies can suffer severe reactions. Food allergens are typically proteins. Food allergies and allergic reactions may manifest through several issues, such as difficulty in breathing, and physical symptoms in the form of rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Breastfeeding: Lactation is the production of milk in a woman's body. The infant suckling at the mother's breast stimulates milk production (Prolactin), and milk production can be released through "letdown" response (Oxytocin). Breast milk changes in composition as the infant grows, from colostrum (rich in protein and immune factors) to later breast milk (higher in lactose, fat, and B vitamins). It provides nutritional and health benefits to the infant such as decreasing risk of infections, allergies, and chronic disease. Mothers are also said to benefit from breastfeeding, including a reduction in blood loss during pregnancy, and returning to their pre-pregnancy weight or maintenance of weight, reduced risks of ovarian/breast cancer, and risk for hip fractures, along with helping increase bone density and lowering risks for type 2 diabetes.
Formula Feeding: Formula can be a healthy alternative to breastfeeding, and is developed to be similar to breast milk, made from cow's milk (altered). Women who are unable to breastfeed include those with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, and those taking medications. Galactosemia is another condition where women should not breastfeed.
Gestational Diabetes, Macrosomia, etc. Gestational diabetes occurs with high blood glucose levels after 20 weeks of pregnancy, causing a larger than usual baby (macrosomia). This may increase risks for jaundice, breathing problems, birth defects, and hypoglycemia after birth. Overweight or obesity is associated with gestational diabetes, as are older ages and certain ethnicities.
Hypertension: Pregnancy-induced hypertension can be a serious complication, including three categories namely: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. Gestational hypertension arises during pregnancy, preeclampsia occurs with hypertension and edema, and protein losses in the urine which deprives the fetus from oxygen. Eclampsia can lead to seizures. Bedrest, medications, and hospitalization can help treat preeclampsia.
Jaundice: Jaundice is a condition that causes skin, eyes, and mucous membranes to turn yellow due to excess bilirubin, a yellowish pigment of bile. It can be a sign of some pregnancy complications.
Other Considerations: Lifestyle habits such as habits on alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and caffeine consumption for breastfeeding. Dietary habits as they relate to possible restrictions (like with fish consumption) must be considered.

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Description

This quiz covers essential topics related to life cycle nutrition, focusing on the preconception period, prenatal development, and the role of the placenta. Understand how maternal lifestyle choices and nutrition impact fetal health and development during pregnancy. Test your knowledge on key concepts that are crucial for a healthy pregnancy and infancy.