DIET DURING PREGNANCY

AND LACTATIONChapter 11

Heather, Kevin, Mia, Amber, Shane, and

WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY It is natural and necessary to gain weight during

pregnancy. The mother’s uterus, breasts, placenta, blood volume, body fluids, and fat must all increase to accommodate the infant’s developing needs

Average weight gain is 25-35 lbs. for normal woman A pregnant teen who is still developing will gain

more weight than a mature woman, whereas an obese women is likely to gain less but no less than 15 lbs.

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS DURING PREGNANCY Protein requirement is increase by 20-25% (iron, zinc,

copper, and B vitamins) No need for increased Vitamin A, excessive intake can

cause birth defects All water soluble vitamins (D, E, K, and C) should be

increased Minerals such as calcium iron, zinc, iodine, and

selenium are are essential for functions such as development of the infants bones and teeth as well as blood clotting and muscle action

Drinking additional milk each day is a good way of providing these nutrients

Vitamin/ iron supplements may be prescribed by an obstetrician, nurse, midwife, or physicians assistant (PA)

CONCERNS DURING PREGNANCY Nausea- occurs during the first trimester, also known as

“morning sickness”, but not necessarily felt just in the mornings

Hyperemesis Gravidarum- rare condition that nausea becomes so sever it is life threatening

Constipation- can be relieved by eating high-fiber foods, daily exercise, and/or drinking 8 glasses of water each day

Heartburn- common, seeing as the growing fetus pushes on the mother’s stomach, which may cause stomach acid to move into lower esophagus

Weight Gain

CONCERNS CONTD. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)- also known as

toxemia or preeclampsia. A condition that occurs in the third trimester and is characterized by high blood pressure, the precise of albumin in urine, and edema. The causes are unknown but occur more frequently to pregnant women with inadequate diets

Pica- craving of nonfood substances such as starch, clay (soil), or ice. Although both men and women are infected with pica, its more common with pregnant woman. Some believe it relieves nausea but this should be discourages because it can cause colon blockage and create nutritional deficiencies

Anemia-condition caused by insufficient red blood cells, hemoglobin, or blood volume. Patient doesn’t receive enough oxygen from blood, feeling weak/tired, poor appetite, and appears pale.

CONCERNS CONTD. Alcohol, Caffeine, Drugs, and Tobacco

Alcohol Consumption can lead to FAS (Fetal alcohol syndrome), which can cause infants to be premature, have a low birth weight, physical characteristics, as well as other central nervous system dysfunction

Caffeine is known to cross placenta and enter fetal blood stream

Drugs vary in their effects but can cause fetal malformations and spontaneous absorptions, possibly even HIV

Tobacco smoking is associated with babies of reduced birth weight because smoking reduces the oxygen/nutrients carried by the blood.

DIET FOR PREGNANT WOMEN WITH DIABETES Diet should remain about the same as normal

pregnant women Should maintain their blood glucose at a steady level

between meals Either type of diabetes increase the risk of physical or

mental diabetes

PREGNANCY DURING ADOLESCENCE This as become an increasing concern Nutritional, physical, psycholigol, social, and economic

demands are tremendous leaving young mothers responsible for helpless newborns

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to PIH (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension) and premature delivery

Inadequate nutrition of a mother is related to both mental and physical birth defects

Pregnant teen need much counseling and emotional support before nutritional improvements can be suggested

LACTATION It is the production and secretion of breast milk for

the purpose of nourishing an infant, that is facilitated by an interlay do various hormones after delivery of an infant

Will take 2-3 weeks to establish a feeding routine Supply-and-demand mechanism, mother will produce

when infant wants Approximately 85 kcal is required to produce 100 Ml

of milk (3 1/3 oz.) Extra nutrients are required such as fruits,

vegetables, and vitamins and an extra 640 kcal a day

BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING Breast milk contains the right amount of lactose, water,

fatty acids, and amino acids for brain development, growth, and digestion

Breast fed babies have incidences of ear infections, diarrhea, allergies, ad hospital admissions

Receive antibodies to diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, German measles, botulism, and staphylococcal infections

Sucking at the breast promotes good jaw development/ exercise

Nursing may have psychological benefits for the infant by creating an early emotional attachment between mother and child