Nutrition/General Health in Pregnancy Flashcards
Is there a PSA Self-Care Card providing advice around nutrition and general health in pregnancy?
Yes (Pregnancy and Ovulation)
What is the preferred supplement for pregnancy?
Elevit (Folic Acid 800 mcg, Ferrous Fumarate 60mg, Iodine 220 mcg)
What are the directions for Elevit (Folic Acid 800 mcg, Ferrous Fumarate 60mg, Iodine 220 mcg)?
Starting at least 4 weeks prior to conception, take 1 tablet ONCE daily whilst trying to conceive, throughout pregnancy and into breastfeeding.
What are 12 foods to avoid in pregnancy?
- Soft cheeses for example, Brie, Camembert, Ricotta to Listeria
- Cold meats for example, From Delis/supermarkets - Listeria
- Uncooked or smoked seafoods and shellfish to Mercury, Listeria, Salmonella
- Precooked or prepared cold foods for example, salads, deli meats
- Dried/fermented sausages for example, salami
- Soft-serve ice cream
- Pate
- Raw meat, eggs to Salmonella
- Caffeine to safe in moderation
- Alcohol
- Unwashed vegetables to Toxoplasmosis
- High sources of vitamin A
What is the recommended diet in pregnancy?
Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet including fruit, vegetables, grains, fats, protein etc.
Describe the risk of listeria in pregnancy.
Listeria is a bacteria found in some foods. In pregnancy listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature labour.
What are 4 early signs of listeria?
- Fever
- flu-like symptoms
- muscle aches
- general malaise
What is the benefit of taking folic acid supplements for pregnancy?
Folic acid taken daily at least 4 weeks before trying to conceive may reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
What is the benefit of taking iron supplements for pregnancy?
Iron supplementation will help to prevent iron deficiency.
What is the benefit of taking iodine supplements for pregnancy?
Iodine can assist in the development of the baby’s brain.
Describe the incidence of muscle cramps in legs in pregnancy.
They are common later in pregnancy due to electrolyte imbalances
Do leg cramps in pregnancy require a counselling room?
No
Do leg cramps in pregnancy have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (pregnancy and ovulation)
What is the preferred treatment option for leg cramps in pregnancy?
The mainstay of treatment is non-pharmacological. There is minimal evidence for treatment with Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin B or Vitamin C.
What are 6 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for leg cramps in pregnancy?
- Stretching exercises
- If a cramp occurs, toe raises can be done as soon as the cramp begins as well as walking and leg elevation
- Hot showers/baths
- Ice massage
- Regular exercise
- Adequate hydration
What are the symptoms of pruritis in pregnancy?
Itchiness developing from the third month of pregnancy onwards.
Does pruritis in pregnancy require a counselling room?
No
Does pruritis in pregnancy have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Pregnancy and ovulation)
What is the preferred treatment option for pruritis in pregnancy?
Hydrocortisone 1% Cream (Dermaid)
What are the directions for Hydrocortisone 1% Cream (Dermaid) in pruritis in pregnancy?
Apply to the affected area(s) 1 to 2 times daily for up to 7 days
What are 3 non-preferred options for pruritis in pregnancy and why?
- Shower oils/soap substitutes: less efficacy
- Moisturisers: less efficacy
- Sedating antihistamines: sedating, systemic side effects
Is Hydrocortisone 1% Cream (Dermaid) safe in pregnancy?
Yes