4.1b Nutrients Needed During Pregnancy

Question 1

Carbohydrates

Answer 1

Primary source of energy

• 175 g/day
• No more than 45-64% of daily caloric intake

Question 2

Protein

Answer 2

Essential for

• Rapid growth of fetus
• Enlargement of uterus, mammary glands, placenta
• Increase in blood volume requires increase need for plasma protein to maintain oncotic pressure
• Formation of amniotic fluid

Question 3

Fats

Answer 3

• No more than 20-35% of daily caloric intake
• DHA (Omega-3-Fatty-Acids) recommended for fetal brain and eye development
• Prenatal vitamins include DHA
• Cautioned about eating fish due to mercury toxicity

Question 4

Micronutrients

Answer 4

• Can be met through dietary sources
• Specific attention to folate and iron
• Prenatal vitamins are recommended to patients with nutritional risk factors

Question 5

Vitamin A

Answer 5

• Essential for cell differentiation and proliferation
• Development of fetal heart, spine, eyes, ears
• Excessive amounts is considered a teratogen

Question 6

Vitamin D

Answer 6

• Absorption of calcium

- Modulates cell growth

Question 7

Vitamin E

Answer 7

• Antioxidant
• Protects against oxidative stress of pregnancy
• Anti-inflammatory processes
• Inhibition of platelet aggregation
• Immune enhancement

Question 8

Vitamin K

Answer 8

• Synthesis of prothrombin and clotting factors

Question 9

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Answer 9

• Readily excreted in urine

Question 10

Folate

Answer 10

• Reduce risk of neural tube defects

- 0.6 mg daily

Question 11

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Answer 11

• Essential for carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism

- Involved in synthesis of RBC, antibodies, and neurotransmitters

Question 12

Vitamin B12

Answer 12

• Production of nucleic acids and protein

- Important in formation of RBC and neural function

Question 13

Vitamin C

Answer 13

• Plays important role in tissue formation

- Enhances absorption of Iron

Question 14

Iron

Answer 14

• Poor iron results in anemia which is common

- Different from physiological anemia of pregnancy which is normal occurrence as maternal blood increases

Question 15

Anemia

Answer 15

• Hemoglobin less than 11 g/dL (1st and 3rd)
• Hematocrit less than 33% (1st and 3rd)
• Hemoglobin less than 10.5 g/dL (2nd)
• Hematocrit less than 32 (2nd)

Question 16

Anemic Risks

Answer 16

• Poorly prepared to tolerate hemorrhage during birth
• Maternal/Fetal death
• Preterm birth
• LBW
  MOST COMMON AMONG
• Adolescents
• African Americans
• Lower Socioeconomic Class
• Lower Education
• Carrying more than 1 fetus

Question 17

Fluids

Answer 17

• Essential for exchange of nutrients and waste across membranes
• Maintains body temperature
• Promotes regular bowel function
• 8-10 glasses a day
  DEHYDRATION RISK
• Cramping
• Contractions
• Preterm labor

Question 18

Sodium

Answer 18

• Essential for water base balance

Question 19

Potassium Functions

Answer 19

• Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
• Transmission of nerve impulses
• Muscle contraction
• Energy production
• Regulation of blood pressure