Pregnancy Flashcards
Pregnant Mothers Health
he baby relies completely on the mother for nourishment, so it’s essential to maintain:
Good nutrition
Healthy habits
Proper medical care
Poor eating habits by the mother can put the baby at risk. such as Smoking, eating empty calorices etc.
Health Needs During Pregnancy
Eating for 2”?
Yes, but it doesn’t mean doubling food intake. Instead, increase by 300 extra calories/day.
Average weight gain: 23-35 lbs for women with an average BMI.
Physical activity: Stay active unless there are complications
(safe and appropriate exercise).
Important Nutrients During Pregnancy
Folate. Iron and Zinc
Folate (Folic Acid):
Essential for baby’s brain, skull, and spine development.
Deficiency can lead to spina bifida (spinal defects) and developmental issues.
Take a folic acid supplement when trying to get pregnant or if pregnant.
Iron
Needed to make red blood cells and carry oxygen to tissues.
More iron is needed during pregnancy due to the baby’s growth.
Iron deficiency can cause premature delivery and low birth weight.
Zinc
Important for cell growth and repair.
Zinc deficiency can cause birth defects.
Caloric Needs
Extra Calories?
Yes, but not doubling the amount of food.
Increase by 340 calories/day in the 2nd trimester and 450 calories/day in the 3rd trimester.
Healthy calorie sources
-Extra servings of fruit, yogurt, vegetables.
-Nutrient-dense foods are more important than empty-calorie foods.
What Pregnant Women Should Avoid
Don’t smoke, use drugs, drink alcohol, or drink coffee.
Avoid:
Raw fish, raw meat, unpasteurized cheese (soft cheeses), ultra-processed meats.
These can cause food-borne illnesses, which are more dangerous during pregnancy due to a weaker immune system.
Risks of food-borne illnesses:
Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.
