FINAL EXAM NUTRITION PT1

The Placenta

The woman’s nutrition has the most direct influence on the developing fetus.

• Connects maternal and fetal blood supplies
• Transfers oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
• Removes fetal waste

Placenta’s Functions

Zygote

First 2 weeks/Implantation

Embryo

Week 2 - week 8. Body and organs are formed

Fetus

Week 8 – week 40. Continued Growth

Critical Periods

Specific time frames during prenatal development when exposure to certain environmental, deficiencies, and toxicities can have significant effects on the developing fetus

2nd trimester

+340 kcals/day

3rd trimester

+450 kcals/day

Carbohydrates

fuels fetal growth

Protein

+25 g/day; fetal structures

Essential Fatty Acids

Fetal brain growth

Folate

prevention of neural tube defects

Iron

supports increased maternal blood volume and fetal iron stores

Calcium/Vitamin D

protects maternal bone loss; prevents ricket

Neural Tube Defects

Anencephaly & Spina bifida

Anencephaly

failure for the brain to develop

Spina bifida

incomplete closure of the spine

Underweight

low nutrient stores, at risk for small placenta, small fetal size, and preterm birth

Overweight

at risk for birth defects (NTD), infant mortality, difficult delivery, large fetal size, gestational diabetes and hypertension

Average Weight Gain for 1st trimester pregnancy

3 ½ pounds

Average Weight Gain for 2nd-3rd trimester

1 pound per week

Pregnancy Concerns

Nausea & vomiting, Constipation & hemorrhoids, Heartburn, Food cravings & aversions, Pica

Gestational Diabetes

Body can't produce enough insulin or use insulin properly; May lead to high birthweight & infant morality

Preeclampsia

Hypertension, edema, protein in the urine; Delivery is the only know cure.

Eclampsia

seizures, coma and death

During the first six months of lactation

mom needs + 500 kcals/d

During the second six months of lactation

mom needs + 400 kcals/d

to protect from dehydration

increase daily water intake by 1 qt. (13 C)

what is alpha-lactalbumin

Protein; easily digested and absorbed for infants

what is Lactoferrin

Protein; aids iron absorption

Essential fatty acids

aids in brain and eye growth for infants

Lactose is

easily digested and increases calcium absorption for infants

Supplements for Infants

Vitamin D & K, Iron, and Fluoride

Milk Anemia

Consuming too much milk and doesn't get enough iron. Limit to 2-3 cups per day for infant