Pregnancy 1 Flashcards
What is the primary goal of nutrition in pregnancy?
To provide nutrients needed to support fetal growth and development while ensuring the pregnant person maintains their own health. The fetus relies on nutrients left over from the mother’s supply.
Why is nutrition important during pregnancy, particularly in Canada?
Adequate nutrition reduces the risk of maternal mortality, infant mortality, and low birth weight. It ensures proper development of the fetus and prevents short- and long-term health issues.
What is maternal mortality rate (MMR), and what factors have influenced its recent increase in Canada?
MMR measures maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Factors contributing to its rise include:
Older maternal age with more pregnancy complications.
Medical comorbidities.
Increased high-risk pregnancies in immigrant and refugee populations.
How is infant mortality rate measured, and what influences higher rates in Canada?
Infant mortality is measured by deaths from birth to one year per 1,000 births. Higher rates are linked to socioeconomic factors like income inequality, education access, and material deprivation, especially in Indigenous and marginalized communities.
What are the risks associated with low birth weight (<2500 g) and what are 3 possible causes?
Low birth weight increases the risk of health complications for infants, often caused by inadequate maternal nutrition, preterm birth, or multiple births.
What does the developmental origins of adult disease hypothesis propose?
It suggests that the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure depends on the environment the fetus experiences in utero, particularly maternal nutrition.
How does early nutrition impact fetal development?
Early nutrition affects cell division and differentiation during critical periods when organs develop. Poor nutrition can lead to long-term health challenges, especially in low birth weight infants.
What role does DNA methylation play in fetal development?
DNA methylation regulates gene expression without changing the genetic code. Patterns established during pregnancy influence health outcomes and are affected by nutrients like folate, choline, and methionine.
What is the difference between fetal age and gestational age?
Fetal age: Time from conception to birth (~38 weeks).
Gestational age: Time from the first day of the last menstrual period to birth (~40 weeks).
How can you estimate a due date using gestational age?
Subtract 3 months from the last menstrual period, then add 1 year and 7 days.
How are preterm births and term births defined?
Preterm birth: Born alive before 37 weeks.
Term birth: Born at or after 37 weeks.
What are the risks associated with preterm birth?
Increased risk of respiratory distress, lung disease, and asthma because lungs develop late in pregnancy.
What defines low birth weight and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants?
Low birth weight (SGA): <2500 g.
LGA: Birth weight in the 90th percentile (>4000 g for age and sex).
What are 5 risk factors for low birth weight?
Low pre-pregnancy weight or inadequate gestational weight gain.
Premature birth or multiple births.
Maternal health conditions like diabetes or infections.
Low socioeconomic status.
Smoking or drug exposure
What are the 4 risk factors for LGA births?
Prior LGA birth (genetics).
Poorly controlled diabetes.
Maternal obesity.
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
What are 2 potential complications of LGA births?
Delivery complications (e.g., babies getting stuck during labor).
Postpartum complications for the mother.
Why is nutrition considered a modifiable factor in birth outcomes?
Proper nutrition ensures full-term births and appropriate infant weights, reducing the risk of complications.
