Nutrition in Reproduction

Question 1

What BMI is classed as ‘underweight’ and overweight respectively? What are the risks associated with being underweight?

Answer 1

BMI = 18.5

BMI >/= 30

Question 2

Being underweight or overweight reduces your chances of fertility. Why?

Answer 2

Harmone imbalances affect ovulation

Question 3

What is meant by the ‘thrifty phenotype’ of a foetus?

Answer 3

Programming of fetus due to metabolic adaptions invoked by fetal malnutrition i.e. when materno-placental nutrient supply fails to match foetal nutrient demand

Question 4

List dietary advice for maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy

Answer 4

Starchy foods with all meals
Fibre rich foods
5 portions of fruit and veg 
Low fat diet (unsaturated fats)
Reduced fried food, drinks, added sugar foods
Breakfast

Question 5

Which supplement is important for pregnant women to take preconception and in the 1st trimester into pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects?

Answer 5

Folic acid 400mcg (5mg for obese women, DM, Hx of baby with NTD or FHx, on antiepileptics)

Question 6

What other supplement is important for both mother and baby, and should be taken through breast feeding?

Answer 6

Vitamin D 10mcg

Question 7

List pregnant women at risk of iron deficiency

Answer 7

Young age at 1st pregnancy
Repeated pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy

Question 8

Daily or intermittent iron supplementation is recommended for all…

Answer 8

Women of child-bearing age and during pregnancy

Question 9

Vitamin A is teratogenic. In what situation in pregnancy, should vitamin A supplements still be provided?

Answer 9

Women with cystic fibrosis

Question 10

Healthy start vitamins are available for what groups of women? What vitamins are provided?

Answer 10

Under 18 or on benefits

Vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid

Question 11

List foods that should be avoided in pregnancy

Answer 11

Soft cheese
Undercooked meat, cured meat, game
Tuna
Raw/ partially cooked eggs
Pate
Liver
Vitamin and fish oil supplements

Question 12

List maternal risks associated with being overweight or obese during pregnancy

Answer 12

Diabetes
Hypertension
Thrombosis
Infection

Question 13

List fetal risks associated with being overweight or obese during pregnancy

Answer 13

Macrosomia
NICU admission
Still birth
Neonatal death

Question 14

Gestational diabetes can be managed by die alone. True/False?

Answer 14

True

80% of GDM can be managed by diet alone

Question 15

List reasons that exercise is beneficial in the management of GDM

Answer 15

More glucose used by muscles for energy, less BG
Insulin used efficiently, BG maintained/ lower
Helps prevent weight gain and helps weight loss