11. Nutrition During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Flashcards
How does nutrition affect fertility?
Nutritional status of both mother and father-to-be can affect likelihood of conception.
Prolonged energy balance can impair fertility.
Low body fat means lower estrogen production - men: low sperm count.
Excess body fat decreases fertility. Losing 5 to 10% body fat increases conception chances.
Describe how breastfeeding affects the nutritional requirements of a woman.
Calcium rich foods: 3 cups Protein: 6 1/2 oz Vegetables: 3 1/2 cups Fruits: 2 cups Grains: 9 ounces Vegetable oil: 8 tsp Fish: 8 to 12 oz/week
List the advantages of breastfeeding for both the mother and the infant.
Mother:
- earlier recovery from pregnancy
- decreases risk of several chronic diseases later in life
- decreases risk of ovarian and premenopausal breast cancer
- potential for quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight
Infant:
- lower infant mortality
- decreased risk for infections
- reduced stays in ICU
- fewer hospital readmissions
- better growth, and improved brain development
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Tiny cysts that surround the ovaries.
Describe the symptoms of PCOS.
- Irregular or absent periods
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Higher-than-average rates of spontaneous abortions
What are some of the key nutrients for pregnancy?
Vitamins and antioxidants:
- daily multivitamin and mineral supplement
- folate: role in DNA synthesis
- Vitamin E, C, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene
Minerals:
- iron and zinc
- women, iron and zinc needed for ovulation
- zinc is important for male fertility (improves sperm quality)
Dietary fat:
- emphasis should be on unsaturated fats
- men: increasing omega-3 fatty acids improves sperm quality
Describe the placenta.
Organ that forms in uterus to accomodates growth and development of the fetus.
Exchanges nutrients, oxygen, and other gases between mother and fetus and eliminates waste.
Describe the First Trimester.
- within 30 hoursL zygote divides in half to form two cells.
- within 4 days: cell number climbs to 128 cells.
- at 14 days: the group of cells in called an embryo
- within 35 days: heart is beating, eyes and limbs are clearly visible
- at 8 weeks: embryo is now fetus
- at 13 weeks (end): organs are formed and fetus can move
Nutritional intake is very important. Quality rather than quantity.
Describe the Second Trimester.
- beginning: 13 weeks gestation; fetus weighs about 1 oz
- fetus begins to look more like an infant
- still susceptible to toxin exposure
- preparation for lactation: breast become larger (2 to 4 pounds)
Describe the Third Trimester.
- rapid growth: fetus doubles in length and weight
- fetus may deplete mothers store of iron if her iron intake is low
- full-term fetus: weighs 7 to 9 lbs, 20 inches long
What is optimal weight gain during pregancy?
2 to 4 lbs of weight gain during the first trimester.
0.8 to 1 lb weekly during 2nd and 3rd trimester.
Average birth weight: 7.5 lbs
What are the recommendations for proteins, carbs, lipids, and water?
RDA for protein:
- additional 25g/day
RDA for carbs:
- increases to 175g/day
RDA for lipids:
- 20% to 35% of total calories from fat
AI for total water:
- pregnancy: 3 L (12 1/2 cups) per day
- breastfeeding: 3.8 L (16 cups) per day
What is Colostrum?
Thick, yellow fluid produced during late pregnancy and few days after birth.
Do women with PCOS have high testosterone?
Yes. They have excess hair growth on face, acne, and a tendency to deposit fat around waistline.
Do women with PCOS have low or high levels of insulin?
High (increased) levels of insulin. There is a chance of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
