Unit 8 - Pregnancy + Lactation Flashcards
T/F: The earlier in development the insult to the fetus, the less likely there will be irreversible damage.
False - some disruptions occurring later in development may be reversible if its not during a critical period of development
What risk (for the fetus) increases with teen pregnancy?
Low birth weight (which ↑ risk of fetal mortality, neurodevelopmental problems)
What are the most common nutrient deficiencies during teen pregnancies?
iron, calcium, folate
What 3 minerals do pregnant teens need to increase their intake of as compared to pregnant adults?
- magnesium
- *calcium
- phosphorus*
What 4 general nutritional recommendations are made for pregnant women?
- Consume sufficient macronutrients and micronutrients
- Avoid all alcohol, & very high caffeine
- Avoid exposure to environmental toxins and drugs
- Maintain normal sodium intake
Why are folate and iron supplements recommended during pregnancy?
Because it is difficult to obtain enough of these nutrients through food alone
What blood cell disease can folate deficiency result in? Describe this disease.
Megaloblastic anemia - red blood cell precursors cannot efficiently divide and mature
How much of an increase in Niacin (vitamin B3), Thiamin (vitamin B1), and Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is recommended during pregnancy? Why is this important?
- 30% increase
- Important for many metabolic reactions, including obtaining energy from macronutrients
T/F: Being one of the richest sources of folate, liver is recommended for pregnant women. Justify why or why not this statement is true or false.
False: Even though liver is high in folate, it is also very high in the retinoid form of vitamin A which can increase the risk of developmental abnormalities and birth defects. Also, liver may be high in accumulated toxins which should be avoided during pregnancy.
Which drugs can lower a person’s folate status?
- Some anti-epileptics
- Contraceptives
- Metformin
- Alcohol
How much vitamin A is recommended for pregnant women?
The same amount as non-pregnant women. Both excess retinoids and not enough vitamin A could be teratogenic.
Define teratogenic.
Increases risk of developmental abnormalities and birth defects
What is microcytic hypochromic anemia? How is it usually treated?
- Microcytic hypochromic anemia is the presence of small, pale red blood cells as a result of iron insufficiency.
- Iron supplements… if the person doesn’t respond to that, then they may also have to take vitamin B6 supplements as well.
T/F: Seafood and meat contain heme iron and non-heme iron must be obtained from plants.
False - meat and seafood contains both heme iron and non-heme iron
Which plant products contain non-heme iron?
- Legumes
- Peanuts
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Spinach
