Pregnancy Flashcards

1
Q

How does body weight affect fertility?

A

Percentage body fat is more important than absolute body weight and <22% body fat levels are low

Very low body weight at beginning of pregnancy – increases chance of premature birth, low birth weight, infant morbidity

Obesity is associated with reduced fertility, 30% of couples with low fertility are obese/overweight. Obese women have a higher risk of polycystic ovaries

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How does the cardiovascular system change during pregnancy?

A
  1. Increased blood volume - Majority is to supply the placental bed.
  2. Increased red cell mass - This is to enhance the supply of oxygen to the body.
  3. Increased cardiac output - Due to the increase of heart rate and stroke volume.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does the respiratory system change during pregnancy?

A
  1. Increased tidal volume - The body needs more oxygen causing hyperventilation.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the stages of foetal development

A
  1. Main Embryonic Period (3-8 weeks)
  2. Foetal Period (9-38 weeks)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the role of the placenta

A

The placenta is an ENDOCRINE organ. It provides nutrient supply from the mother to the foetus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What passes into the placenta through simple diffusion?

A
  1. Gases – Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide
  2. Free fatty acids and LCPUFA
  3. Steroids
  4. Electrolytes
  5. Fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What passes into the placenta through facilitated diffusion?

A
  1. Glucose (75% of foetal energy requirements)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What passes into the placenta through active transport?

A
  1. Amino acids
  2. Calcium, Iron, Iodine and Phosphate
  3. Water Soluble vitamins (B and C)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What passes into the placenta through pinocytosis?

A
  1. Immunoglobulins (IgG)
  2. Harmful Substances (drugs, viruses and toxins)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the UK recommendations for women who are trying to conceive, and are overweight

A

Women who are overweight or obese are encouraged to lose weight before trying to have a baby. A healthy diet is recommended to support healthy growth of the foetus, whilst maintaining adequate maternal nutrition. An inadequate energy intake can result in poor foetal development.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How do energy requirements change during pregnancy?

A

Increase in BMR, resulting in an increase in energy.
This is due to the body producing new tissue in the genital organs and general growth of the foetus.

SACN suggest 200kcal (0.8MJ) per day in third trimester only.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How do protein requirements change during pregnancy?

A

Increase in protein. This is due to the body producing new tissue in the genital organs and general growth of the foetus.

SACN suggest an extra 6g a day (51g). UK protein intakes are usually high at >70g/day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How do essential fatty acid requirements change during pregnancy?

A

LCPUFAs (AA, DHA, and EPA) - Helps with the development of new cell membranes and tissues. Essential for neurological and retinal development.

DHA – insufficient amounts can lead to permanent damage to retinal and learning ability.

No more than two portions of oily fish a week - Oily fish can contain contaminants.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Why does Mercury need to be limited during pregnancy?

A

High levels can damage the foetus

No deep sea fish – shark, marlin, swordfish.
Limit tuna.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the main dietary recommendation for pregnant women?

A

To follow a healthy, balanced diet based on the Balance of Good Health model

This includes consuming plenty of iron- and folate-rich foods and a daily vitamin D supplement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the recommended daily supplement of vitamin D for pregnant women?

A

10 µg/day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the average weight gain recommended for women with a healthy pre-pregnancy weight?

A

12 kg (range 10–14 kg)

This weight gain is associated with the lowest risk of complications during pregnancy and labour.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What birthweight is associated with optimal maternal and fetal outcomes for a full-term infant?

A

3.1–3.6 kg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is LBW and what birthweight qualifies as LBW?

A

LBW stands for low birthweight and is defined as birthweight <2.5 kg

20
Q

What is the recommended body mass index (BMI) range for women prior to conception?

A

20–25

21
Q

What is the recommended daily intake of folic acid for women who may become pregnant?

A

200ug/day plus a 400 µg/day supplement prior to and up until the 12th week of pregnancy

22
Q

Which requirements increase whilst pregnant

A

Increased requirements for:

Thiamin - + 0.1mg/day for last trimester
Riboflavin - + 0.3 mg/day
Folate - + 100 ug/day (plus 400ug/day supplement for before getting pregnant and first 12 weeks of pregnancy)
Vitamins A - + 100 ug/day
Vitamin C - + 10mg/day for last trimester
Vitamin D - no requirements (just 10ug/day)
Energy - + 200kcal in last trimester
Protein - + 6g a day

23
Q

What is the estimated energy cost of pregnancy?

A

Around 321 MJ (77,000 kcal)

24
Q

What is the extra energy requirement during the third trimester of pregnancy?

A

200 kcal per day

25
Q

True or False: There are established increments in mineral requirements during pregnancy.

A

False

Physiological adaptations are thought to help meet increased mineral demand.

26
Q

What percentage of women of childbearing age in the UK have low iron stores?

A

Up to 50%

27
Q

What foods should pregnant women avoid to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses?

A

Mould-ripened and blue-veined cheeses - These foods can expose pregnant women to harmful pathogens like listeria and salmonella.

28
Q

What is the guideline for oil-rich fish consumption for pregnant women?

A

No more than two portions of oil-rich fish per week

29
Q

What types of fish should pregnant women avoid due to the risk of methylmercury exposure?

A

Marlin, shark, swordfish, and limit tuna intake

30
Q

What nutritional challenges do vegetarians and vegans face during pregnancy?

A

Meeting requirements for riboflavin, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, iodine and zinc

31
Q

What specific nutrient concerns are associated with teenage pregnancy?

A

High nutrient requirements for growth, low intakes of folate, calcium, and iron

32
Q

What type of exercise is recommended for pregnant women?

A

Moderate, regular aerobic exercise

Swimming is particularly suitable, while strenuous activities should be avoided.

33
Q

Fill in the blank: Pregnant women are advised to stay ______ to promote general health and prevent excess weight gain.

A

physically active

34
Q

What is the recommended daily fluid intake during pregnancy?

A

About 1900ml a day (about eight glasses)

35
Q

What should you do if you are experiencing nausea during pregnancy?

A

Drink more fluids to stay hydrated

36
Q

What is the recommended limit for caffeine intake during pregnancy?

A

No more than 200mg caffeine daily

37
Q

What are the potential risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy?

A

Increased risk of miscarriage and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

38
Q

What is the advised level of physical activity for pregnant individuals?

A

At least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity per day

39
Q

What is the daily supplement recommendation for folic acid during pregnancy?

A

400 micrograms every day for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy

40
Q

Which foods are good sources of folate?

A
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Beans and legumes
  • Fortified foods
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Oranges and orange juice
41
Q

What is the recommended folate intake for someone considering pregnancy?

A

200 micrograms plus a supplement containing 400 micrograms

42
Q

What are the recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy based on BMI?

A

Less than 18.5: 12.5-18kg

18.5-24.9: 11.5-16kg

25-29.9: 7-11.5kg

30 and over: 5-9kg

43
Q

What can inadequate levels of folate during early pregnancy lead to?

A

Increased risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida

44
Q

What foods should be avoided due to contaminants like mercury?

A
  • Shark
  • Marlin
  • Swordfish
45
Q

What is the recommendation regarding the consumption of tuna during pregnancy?

A

Limit to four medium cans per week or two steaks

46
Q

What is advised for individuals with restrictive diets during pregnancy?

A

Those who follow a vegetarian/plant-based diet may need to take additional supplementation of iodine, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B