Adolescent, Maternal and Women's Health

Question 1

What micronutrients are recommended during pregnancy?

Answer 1

1. Folic acid recommended before pregnancy and up to 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce chances of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
2. Vitamin D 10mcg recommended daily throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding to promote bone health in foetus.

Question 2

What is physical activity during pregnancy associated with?

Answer 2

Decreased risk of hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, reduced severity of depressive symptoms

Question 3

What is drinking alcohol during pregnancy associated with?

Answer 3

Early miscarriage, premature birth, restricted growth, still birth and cognitive delay, foetal alcohol spectrum disorders and foetal alcohol syndrome.

Question 4

What are characteristics of foetal alcohol syndrome?

Answer 4

Small stature, alteration of facial features (microcephaly, elongated philtrum, microphthalmia), abnormal palmar creases, cardiac defects, joint contractures, cognitive deficits.

Question 5

What does smoking during pregnancy cause?

Answer 5

Up to 2,200 premature births, 5000 miscarriages and 300 perinatal deaths every year in the UK. Increases risk of low birth weight and risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in child’s life.

Question 6

What are impacting factors in mother’s gut microbiome?

Answer 6

Diet, Stress, Feeding method, Pharmaceuticals, Geography. Lifecycle stages and Birthing Process.