Pregnancy: Energy and Nutrient Requirements

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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason for the increased carbohydrate requirement during pregnancy?

To compensate for the decreased fasting maternal blood glucose levels

To increase the maternal storage of fat early in pregnancy

To sustain the growth of the fetus during the last trimester

To meet the increased energy demand due to the establishment of the placental-fetal unit (correct)

According to the passage, what percentage of the estimated brain's fuel requirement is met by glucose oxidation in newborns?

30%

70% (correct)

50%

90%

What is the main reason for the increased glucose transfer from mother to fetus during late gestation?

To increase the maternal storage of fat early in pregnancy

To sustain the growth of the fetus during the last trimester (correct)

To meet the increased energy demand due to the establishment of the placental-fetal unit

To compensate for the decreased fasting maternal blood glucose levels

How does the EAR for carbohydrate intake during pregnancy vary among different age groups?

Remains constant across age groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale behind the RDA for carbohydrate intake during pregnancy being set at 130% of the EAR?

To account for variations in brain glucose utilization Signup and view all the answers

How does the fetal brain utilize glucose derived from the mother during pregnancy?

It utilizes essentially all glucose derived Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, why is there no specific evidence indicating that a certain portion of carbohydrate intake during pregnancy should be consumed as starch or sugar?

Similar physiological impact of starch and sugar intake Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major component that contributes to the increased energy requirements during pregnancy?

Increased physical activity level Signup and view all the answers

What is the strongest predictor of basal energy expenditure (BEE) during pregnancy?

Fat-free mass (FFM) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of fat-free mass (FFM) during pregnancy?

Increased physical activity level Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended physical activity level (PAL) range for active pregnant women?

1.6 - 1.7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended Protein Requirements During Pregnancy based on supporting growth of maternal and fetal tissues and maintenance of protein stores?

Protein needs vary with each trimester to support growth and maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

Which fatty acids compete for the same desaturase enzymes, affecting their optimal ratio in the diet?

Linoleic acid and Alpha-linolenic acid Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of a protein and/or energy poor diet prior to or during pregnancy?

Increased risk of low birth weight in infants Signup and view all the answers

"Mothers that consume more daily servings of dairy products, meat & fish have a lower risk of LBW infants" - What does LBW stand for in this context?

"Low Birth Weight" Signup and view all the answers

"The prepregnancy period is key to prepare for the demands of pregnancy." - Why is this statement significant?

"It helps in preparing the body nutritionally and physiologically." Signup and view all the answers

"Provision of protein & energy supplements for 5 – 7 mo, instead of < 2 mo before conception leads to higher birth weight & greater birth length" - What is the significance of this finding?

"It highlights the importance of long-term supplementation before conception." Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Carbohydrate Requirements During Pregnancy

Increased carbohydrate requirements during pregnancy mainly support fetal growth and development.
In newborns, glucose oxidation meets approximately 60% of the estimated brain's fuel requirement.

Glucose Transfer and Intake Variations

Increased glucose transfer from mother to fetus during late gestation is primarily due to the accelerated fetal growth and brain development.
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for carbohydrate intake during pregnancy varies among age groups, with younger women needing higher intakes.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and Utilization

The RDA for carbohydrate intake during pregnancy is set at 130% of the EAR to ensure adequate energy supply for both maternal and fetal needs.
The fetal brain utilizes maternal glucose as the main energy source, critical for development.

Carbohydrate Intake Components

There is no specific evidence indicating that carbohydrate intake should be divided into certain proportions of starch or sugar during pregnancy, emphasizing flexibility in dietary choices.

Energy Requirements and Predictors

A lack of major physical activity or energy expenditure does not contribute significantly to increased energy requirements during pregnancy.
Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE) during pregnancy is strongest predicted by pre-pregnancy body weight.

Fat-Free Mass and Physical Activity

Components of fat-free mass (FFM) during pregnancy include lean body mass and water content, excluding fat storage.
Recommended Physical Activity Level (PAL) for active pregnant women is typically set between 1.4 to 1.6.

Protein Requirements and Fatty Acids

Recommended protein intake during pregnancy supports growth of both maternal and fetal tissues and maintenance of maternal protein stores.
Certain fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, compete for the same desaturase enzymes, highlighting the importance of their optimal dietary ratio.

Dietary Impacts and Birth Outcomes

A protein and/or energy-poor diet prior to or during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes, including low birth weight and potential developmental issues.
LBW stands for Low Birth Weight, associated with risks to infant health.
The prepregnancy period is critical for nutritional preparation to meet the demands of pregnancy, making pre-conception health significant.
Provision of protein and energy supplements for 5-7 months, rather than less than 2 months before conception, is linked to improved birth weight and length outcomes, emphasizing early nutritional intervention.

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Description

Learn about the energy and macronutrient requirements during pregnancy, including concepts like EER, BMR, TEE, and PAL. Understand how pregnancy affects the basal energy expenditure and factors contributing to increased energy needs.