Nutrition During Pregnancy Initial Growth Stages Zygote 0 2 weeks rapid cell division Embryo 2 8 weeks organ formation Fetus 8 40 weeks rapid growth The Concept of Critical Periods Each organ and tissue type grows with its own characteristic pattern and timing The development of each takes place only at a certain time the critical period If the development of an organ is limited during a critical period recovery is impossible Pregnancy Outcome Gestational length normal 37 40 weeks premature before that Birth weight normal 5 6 9 9 pounds Low Birth weight increases risks for infant death 12x Congenital malformations Behavior and learning problems What Causes Low Birth Weight Low maternal weight gain during pregnancy Low maternal prepregnancy weight Maternal lifestyle factors Alcohol Smoking Drugs Recommended Weight Gain in pounds Normal BMI 25 35 Underweight 28 40 Overweight 15 25 Obese 15 Pattern of Weight Gain 3 5 pounds during the first trimester 1 pound per week thereafter Calorie Needs During Pregnancy No increase during the first trimester importance of nutrient density 400 kcal day increase in 2nd and 3rd trimester Nutrients of Particular Importance Iron all women receive 27mg day supplement anemia related to poor birth outcomes Folate all women receive 400 mcg day supplements neural tube defects Calcium if inadequate intake will be taken from mother s bones Spina Bifida Other Dietary Components of Interest Choline essential nutrient in fetal development best source egg yolks DHA EPA brain development may lower risk of pre term labor added to baby formulas Other Recommendations to Pregnant Women Exercise guidelines Do not use over the counter or prescription medications without consulting a physician Do not smoke while pregnant Caffeine in moderation Artificial sweeteners in moderation Foodborne illness Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Alcohol crosses the placenta freely and is directly toxic Alcohol limits oxygen delivery to the fetus slows cell division causing abnormalities in organs affects fetal brain cell division interferes with nutrient transport to the fetus before fertilization alcohol can damage the ovum or sperm leading to abnormalities in the child Physical deformities including small head underdeveloped jap droopy eyes uneven ears thin lips Moderate alcohol intake leads to low birth weight First month of pregnancy is critical No SAFE intake Gestational Diabetes Diabetes with first occurrence during pregnancy All women are tested at 28 weeks maybe sooner Managed with diet and diabetes medications including insulin Raises risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life
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