diet during pregnancy

Question 1

Development of the Foetus

Answer 1

Are three trimesters
First 12 weeks
Important stage for foetal development
Cells becoming body organs & systems
Weeks 13-27
Time of growth
End of this period foetus is potentially viable
Weeks 28-40
Rapid foetal growth & laying down of body stores
Maturation of body systems

Question 2

What’s Happening to Mum?

Answer 2

Development of the foetus
Enlargement of the uterus (20X) & mammary tissue (50X)
Development of the placenta

Question 3

Significant changes occur in maternal:

Answer 3

Cardiovascular system
Increase in blood volume & heart rate
Renal system
Increased reabsorption of water & nutrients
Actually produce less urine
Respiratory system
Increased rate in breathing
Laying down of maternal stores needed for growth, energy during labour & lactation

Question 4

Maternal Weight Gain

Answer 4

Average weight gain = 12.5kg
40% due to increase in maternal tissues
32% due to fat deposition
28% foetus

Question 5

Nutrient Efficiency

Answer 5

Body becomes very efficient at utilising energy & nutrients
Digestion & absorption slows down to optimize uptake of nutrients
Adaptation occurs to respond to physiological status for example:-
Famine
If on a poor diet

Question 6

Nutritional Significance in EARLY stages

Answer 6

Crucial time of development
More risk from:-
Deficiency & toxicity of nutrients
Drugs & alcohol
Problem not often aware pregnant

Question 7

Nutritional development - later stages

Answer 7

Important time of growth & maturation
Body stores become deposited

Question 8

Vitamins
Excessive Vitamin A (retinol)

Answer 8

Vitamin A involved in cell division

Need to avoid high doses
Can cause birth defects
Cranial nervous system
Facial nervous system
Cardiac nervous system
Avoid liver, liver products and supplements (containing retinol)
Includes fish liver oil supplements
Some drugs that contain vitamin A or derivatives (retinoids)

Question 9

Alcohol

Answer 9

No safe time or safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy*
Can cause miscarriage, still birth, premature delivery & birth defects
In excessive amounts:-
Foetal alcohol syndrome
Low birth weight & poor growth
Small head
Small, widely spaced eyes
Flat midface
Wide philtrum
Learning & behavioural problems

Question 10

other foods to avoid in pregnancy

Answer 10

Liver & Liver Products
Contains high levels of vitamin A
Undercooked poultry
Risk of Salmonella
Severe cases can cause premature labour & miscarriage
Undercooked food/ready meals
Risk of Listeriosis
Raw shellfish
May cause food poisoning

BUT- No longer need to avoid raw eggs or runny eggs if have the Lion stamp