Diet During Pregnancy Flashcards
Name three examples of carbohydrates. What do they do?
Wheat, potatoes, quinoa, maize, oats, buckwheat.
Carbohydrates provide energy. They also contain iron and essential vitamins.
Name 4 examples of proteins. What do proteins provide? In particular, why are red meats and oily fish beneficial?
Meats, fish, eggs, soya products, quorn products.
Proteins provide essential amino acids. Red meat is an excellent source of protein, oily fish provides essential vitamins.
Name three things that are provided by fruit and vegetables.
Vitamins, minerals and fibre.
How many litres of fluid are recommended per day? How can we tell that we are hydrated enough?
1.5-2.5 litres. Straw coloured urine is an excellent sign of sufficient hydration.
Name four substances which pregnant women should avoid.
Alcohol, raw meats, raw eggs, shellfish.
Why should we encourage iron intake in pregnant women?
A low iron intake can lead to anaemia. During pregnancy, high levels of iron are passed onto the foetus via the placenta and therefore more iron must be taken on than usual. Anaemia in pregnant women can lead to premature babies, or babies born with a low birth weight.
What can we recommend for women with:
Constipation?
Heartburn?
Morning sickness?
Constipation- high fibre diet including wholewheat based cereals and fruits/vegetables. A larger fluid intake can also help to alleviate constipation.
Heartburn- small regular meals rather than large and infrequent. Pregnant women with heartburn should avoid spicy, fatty and fried foods.
Morning sickness- bland food eaten in small quantities and often. Women who are being sick must be encouraged to take on more fluid than normal to prevent dehydration. Food/drinks containing ginger are also effective at helping with morning sickness.
What nutritional advice can we give to women who are breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding women should maintain a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. An additional 500 calories may be needed each day to ensure the woman’s energy levels are kept up. Breastfeeding women should also limit their caffeine and alcohol intake to prevent passing onto baby through breastmilk.
What does BMI stand for? In terms of BMI, what is considered as: underweight, normal, overweight, obese?
Underweight- less than 18.5
Normal- 18.5 to 25
Overweight- 25 to 30
Obese- above 30
Total weight gain in pregnancy should depend on the weight of the mother. How much weight should a mother gain if she is: underweight, normal, overweight?
Underweight- gain of 3 stone or 19kg
Normal- gain of 2 stone or 12kg
Overweight- gain of 1 stone or 6kg
