risk + protective factors for prenatal development

Question 1

maternal diet (protective)

Answer 1

• a healthy nutritious diet of the mother supports the growth and development of the foetus
• iron
• iodine
• folate

Question 2

maternal diet (risk)

Answer 2

some foods contain bacteria that may be harmful for a growing baby with no immune system
- soft serve icecream
- soft cheeses
- sushi (raw fish + cold rice)
- foods high in mercury

Question 3

folate (protective)

Answer 3

• required for the formation of RBC
• assists in DNA synthesis, cell growth and development
• reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the baby (spina bifida)
• food sources: green leafy veg, poultry, eggs, citrus fruits, legumes

Question 4

iodine (protective)

Answer 4

• ensures healthy brain development
• important during pre-pregnancy and the first 16 weeks
• food sources: fish, seaweed, eggs, iodised salt

Question 5

iron (protective

Answer 5

• needed for hemoglobin
• added blood volume + energy levels
• foetus draws iron from the mother
• food sources: red meat, liver, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, nuts

Question 6

parental smoking and tobacco smoke in the home (risk)

Answer 6

• reduces oxygen flow to the placenta
• exposes the foetus to toxins
• fathers who smoke can reduce their fertility
• maternal smoking increases the risk of birth defects
• smoking often results in smaller babies

Question 7

alcohol use (risk)

Answer 7

• may interfere with fertility
• can cross the placenta and enter the baby’s system
• foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) causes significant birth defects

Question 8

teratogens

Answer 8

-anything in the environment that can cause defects in development
- a concern because they may be something the mother encounters in everyday life

Question 9

when are teratogens most dangerous and why?

Answer 9

• embryonic stage
• because major organs and systems are formed during this time and cells are becoming more specialized
• therefore they are more vulnerable to the negative effects of teratogens

Question 10

5 teratogens

Answer 10

• alcohol
• tobacco
• prescription medication
• drugs
• diseases

Question 11

antenatal care

Answer 11

• provides check ups of the mother and baby
• provides education and advice of what to do and what not to do
• medical interventions if necessary

Question 12

fasd

Answer 12

• increased risk of premature birth
• increased risk of stillbirth
• undernourishment of the baby
• reduced amount of oxygen available due to alcohol narrowing the blood vessels