Life Cycle Nutrition: Pregnancy, Infancy, and Toddler Years

These flashcards cover key concepts in life cycle nutrition related to pregnancy, infancy, and toddler years, addressing essential vocabulary, definitions, and nutrient needs.

Conception

The process of becoming pregnant, involving the fertilization of an egg by sperm.

Gestation

The period of development from conception to birth.

Placenta

An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and remove waste.

Zygote

A fertilized egg that results from the fusion of sperm and egg.

Embryo

The early stage of development of an organism after fertilization and before it becomes a fetus.

Fetus

A developing organism from roughly eight weeks after conception until birth.

Infant

A child in the earliest stage of life, typically from birth to one year old.

Teratogens

Substances or factors that can cause malformation or birth defects in a developing fetus.

Umbilical cord

A structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, providing nutrients and oxygen and removing waste.

Neonate

A newborn baby, particularly during the first few weeks of life.

Hunger

The physiological sensation of needing food.

Folate supplementation

Taking folate during pregnancy significantly reduces the incidence of neural tube defects.

Pica

An eating disorder characterized by cravings for non-nutritive substances, which may indicate nutritional deficiencies.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts for energy; includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Lactation

The process of producing and secreting milk from the mammary glands for feeding an infant.

Colostrum

A thick, yellowish fluid produced by the mammary glands in the first few days after giving birth, rich in antibodies.

Prolactin

A hormone that stimulates milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

Oxytocin

A hormone that causes milk ejection and uterine contractions during childbirth.

Complementary foods

Foods given to infants to supplement breast milk or formula after around six months of age.

Iron deficiency anemia

A condition resulting from not having enough iron in the body, leading to a lower number of red blood cells.

WIC

Women, Infants, and Children - a federal assistance program that provides healthcare and nutrition for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

Early childhood obesity

A condition where a child's weight is significantly above the average for their age and sex, which can have long-term health implications.

Food insecurity

The state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable food.

Adolescence

The transitional stage from childhood to adulthood, typically associated with increased physical, emotional, and social development.

SoFAAS

Solid Fats and Added Sugars - components of the diet that can contribute to health issues when consumed in excess.