Pregnancy 3 Flashcards
How do energy requirements change during pregnancy?
Energy requirements increase during pregnancy to support fetal and maternal tissue deposition, increased basal metabolism, and physical activity due to carrying more weight. Energy needs rise mainly in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
How are the Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) for pregnancy calculated?
EER is based on sex, age, height, weight, and physical activity level. It accounts for the increased energy required for maternal and fetal tissue growth, basal metabolism, and physical activity.
How many extra calories are needed daily during pregnancy, and when are they most required?
First trimester: No additional calories required due to minimal fetal growth.
Second and third trimesters: An average increase of ~200 kcal/day is needed to deposit 925g of protein and 3.8kg of fat.
What are two methods to monitor fetal growth during pregnancy?
Fundal height: Measures the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus; the number of centimeters typically equals the number of weeks of pregnancy.
Ultrasound: Measures fetal size to assess if the baby is growing appropriately for its age.
Why is appropriate weight gain during pregnancy important?
Proper weight gain ensures sufficient energy for the pregnant person and the fetus. It is essential for fetal growth and reduces the risk of complications like low birth weight or large-for-gestational-age infants.
What accounts for the weight gained during pregnancy?
Baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid.
Increased maternal blood volume, body fluids, and energy stores.
Growth of maternal tissues, such as the uterus and breasts.
What are the 3 risks of insufficient weight gain during pregnancy?
Increased likelihood of low birth weight.
Depleted maternal nutrient reserves.
Higher risk of health complications for the baby, both immediately and long-term.
What are the 3 risks of excessive weight gain during pregnancy?
Increased likelihood of a larger baby, leading to delivery complications (e.g., C-section).
Postpartum weight retention.
Higher energy stores that may lead to permanent weight gain.
How can weight gain during pregnancy be managed?
Focus on nutrient-dense foods, follow hunger cues, and maintain a healthy attitude toward body changes while engaging in regular physical activity.
How do protein requirements change during pregnancy?
Protein needs increase to 1.1g/kg/day (an additional ~25g/day) to support fetal, placental, and maternal tissue growth, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. High-quality protein sources are essential.
How does carbohydrate metabolism change during pregnancy?
Early pregnancy: Estrogen and progesterone stimulate insulin, promoting glucose storage as glycogen and fat.
Late pregnancy: Insulin resistance increases to ensure higher glucose availability for the fetus, resulting in a diabetogenic effect.
Why is fiber important during pregnancy?
Fiber helps reduce constipation, which is common due to decreased gut motility, and supports overall digestive health.
How do fat requirements and metabolism change during pregnancy?
Blood lipids increase, providing cholesterol for hormone synthesis and fetal cell membrane development.
Pregnant people are encouraged to consume omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., DHA from fatty fish) to support fetal brain and retinal development.
Why is calcium intake critical during pregnancy, and does the RDA change?
Calcium is needed for fetal skeletal development (25-30g of calcium in the fetus).
The RDA remains 1,000 mg/day for adults since calcium absorption increases during pregnancy.
What is the role of iodine during pregnancy, and how much is needed?
Iodine supports thyroid function and fetal brain development.
The RDA increases to 220 mcg/day to meet the demands of an increased basal metabolic rate.
Why must vitamin A intake be carefully monitored during pregnancy?
A slight increase (from 700 RAE to 770 RAE) supports fetal development.
Excess retinol (preformed vitamin A) above the UL of 3,000 RAE can be teratogenic, causing birth defects.
Why is adequate water intake important during pregnancy?
Water supports increased blood volume, amniotic fluid production, temperature regulation, and waste excretion.
The AI for water increases from 2.7L/day to 3L/day.
What are the roles of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids during pregnancy?
Omega-3 (DHA): Supports fetal brain and retinal development.
Omega-6: Supports overall fetal growth.
What are good dietary sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?
Omega-3: Fatty fish (e.g., salmon), flaxseed, walnuts, hemp seeds.
Omega-6: Seed oils and meats.
