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Questions and Answers
What is the relationship between maternal weight and infant morbidity and mortality?
Maternal weight has a close relationship with infant weight, and low birth weight is a strong predictor of infant morbidity and mortality.
What are the deleterious effects of undernutrition during pregnancy?
Nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic environments during pregnancy can permanently 'program' offspring, and undernutrition can have deleterious effects.
What are some cultural influences that may affect dietary choices during pregnancy?
Cultural influences can affect dietary choices during pregnancy, such as hot and cold foods, food aversions, and confinement after delivery.
Study Notes
Nutrition for Preconception and Pregnancy
- Maternal weight has a close relationship with infant weight, and low birth weight is a strong predictor of infant morbidity and mortality.
- Good nutrition is essential during pregnancy and the initial postnatal months for optimal growth and development of the baby.
- Underweight women face a higher risk of infertility, compromised fertility, and poor nutritional stores.
- Nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic environments during pregnancy can permanently "program" offspring, and undernutrition can have deleterious effects.
- Research has shown a strong link between low birth weight and the risk of coronary heart disease in later life (Fetal Origins of Adult Disease).
- Basic dietary advice for pregnancy includes an increase in energy (200 kcal/day), protein (+6g/day), and fatty acids (n-6 and n-3).
- Calcium and iron intake also need to increase during pregnancy for lactation and blood loss during childbirth.
- Vegetarian and vegan mothers should pay extra attention to protein-rich foods, calcium (non-dairy alternatives), omega-3 (seeds, walnuts, and soy), and other nutrients such as riboflavin and selenium.
- Cultural influences can affect dietary choices during pregnancy, such as hot and cold foods, food aversions, and confinement after delivery.
- Some cultures believe that certain foods can impact the baby's complexion, behavior, or future health, and may have specific dietary restrictions or recommendations.
- Foodborne illnesses and infections can harm the fetus, so avoiding specific foods and minimizing the risk of toxins is crucial.
- Evidence-based advice for maternal nutrition should consider the diverse UK population and emerging public health issues.
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Description
Are you planning to start a family or currently pregnant? Take this quiz to test your knowledge on nutrition for preconception and pregnancy. Learn about the essential nutrients needed for optimal growth and development of your baby, the impact of maternal weight on infant health, and cultural influences on dietary choices. Discover evidence-based advice and tips to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
