Chap 13 Guide - Nutrition from pregnancy-toddler - Tagged

Chapter 13 – LIFESPAN Nutrition from Pregnancy to Toddler Years

The Human Life Cycle

• Definition of Life Cycle Stages

  • Pregnancy: Development of a zygote into a fetus.

  • Infancy: The period from birth to 1 year.

  • Toddler: Ages from 1 to 3 years.

  • Childhood: Ages from 4 to puberty.

  • Onset of Puberty: Ages from 10 to 14 years.

  • Older Adolescence: Ages from 15 to 18 years.

  • Adulthood: Ages from 19 to 64 years.

  • Middle Age: Ages from 45 to 64 years.

  • Senior: Ages from 65 onwards.

New Vocabulary

• Pregnancy: Time between conception and birth.

• Gestation: Another term for pregnancy.

• Embryo: Exists from fertilization to 8 weeks.

• Fetus: Exists after 8 weeks of fertilization.

• Umbilical Cord: Connects the fetus to the placenta.

• Placenta: Organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.

• Uterus: Organ in which the fetus develops during pregnancy.

• Lactation: Production of milk by the mammary glands.

• Teratogen: An agent that can cause malformation in the developing fetus.

Nutrients for Baby – The Placenta

• The mother and fetus operate through separate blood systems.

• Nutrients and oxygen diffuse from the mother to the fetus through the placenta.

• Metabolic wastes from the fetus diffuse back to the mother.

Stages of Development

Pregnancy Overview

• Fertilization: A sperm cell fertilizes an egg, creating a zygote.

• Zygote Development: Undergoes cell division to develop into an embryo, which implants into the uterine wall.

• Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters:

  • First Trimester: Weeks 1-13.

  • Second Trimester: Weeks 14-27.

  • Third Trimester: Weeks 28-40.

Nutrition During Pregnancy

• Nutrition Importance: Good nutrition is crucial for fetal healthy development. Poor nutrition and teratogens can harm fetal development.

• Weight Gain Requirements: Weight gain varies based on pre-pregnancy BMI:

  • Underweight (BMI < 18.5): Gain 28-40 lbs.

  • Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): Gain 25-35 lbs.

  • Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): Gain 15-25 lbs.

  • Obese (BMI > 30): Gain 11-20 lbs.

Caloric and Nutritional Needs

• Increased caloric intake is especially vital during the second and third trimesters.

• Carbohydrates: RDA increases for fetal growth.

• Protein: Essential for growth and development, increased RDA required.

• Fats: Essential fatty acids are necessary for brain development.

Micronutrients During Pregnancy

• **Vitamins and Minerals: **

  • Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption.

  • Iron is vital, often needing supplementation.

  • Ensure adequate folate intake to prevent neural tube defects.

Foods to Avoid

• Alcohol: Can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FAS).

• Caffeine: Limit intake due to potential risks like low birth weight.

• Listeria and Foodborne Illness: Pregnant women should avoid certain foods to reduce the risk of listeriosis.

Infancy

Growth and Requirements

• The brain grows rapidly, and the need for nutrients is high.

• Breastfeeding recommended for the first six months.

• Infant feeding frequency will decrease over time but intake volume will increase.

Nutritional Requirements for Infants

• Breast milk is preferred and should be the sole source of nutrition for the first 6 months.

• After 6 months, introduce complementary foods gradually.

• Macronutrient Needs: High for energy and growth; carbohydrate and fat content are critical.

• Micronutrient Needs: Iron, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K are critical during infancy.

Breastfeeding

• Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months as it meets the infant's essential needs.

• Mothers should maintain a balanced diet including adequate hydration and nutrient intake.

Toddler Years

Developmental Changes

• After age 2, physical growth and motor development experiences slow down.

• Toddler energy requirements alter; frequent small meals are essential.

• Micronutrients of Concern: Vitamin D, iron, and fluoride should be monitored closely for adequate intake.

Obesity Concerns

• Rising rates of obesity among children; managing diet is crucial.

• Encourage healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes early on to prevent obesity.

Risk of Birth Defects: During pregnancy, exposure to teratogens can increase the risk of birth defects. The first trimester is the most critical period for the potential impact of teratogens, as this is when the major organs and structures of the fetus are developing. Exposure to harmful substances during this time can lead to significant developmental issues.

Key Points on Teratogen Exposure:

• More likely to cause malformations during the first trimester, specifically in the embryonic stage (weeks 1-8).

• Types of teratogens include certain medications, alcohol, drugs, and infections.

• Proper prenatal care and avoiding known teratogens can minimize risks.

A woman's nutritional needs increase for certain nutrients more than for others. Good diet in mom will support **cellular growth**, **organ development**, and **brain formation** - all important in embryonic development.

Healthy eating is important to both parents before conception, as both maternal and paternal nutrition can impact fertility and the health of the offspring.

A diet low in **zinc** and **folate** may affect male fertility.

**Caffeine** is a substance that may affect male fertility. High caffeine consumption has been linked to reduced fertility levels in some studies.

Alcohol can negatively impact male fertility by reducing testosterone levels, decreasing sperm production, and leading to morphological abnormalities in sperm.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy depends on prepregnancy BMI and individual health factors. The infant’s birth weight is influenced by maternal weight gain, nutrition, and overall health during pregnancy.

Inadequate weight gain by the mom during the first and second trimesters can affect birth weight, infant mortality, and intellectual disabilities. Women with a prepregnancy BMI of over 30 have an increased chance of complications during delivery. One of the best indicators of a baby’s future health is birth weight.

BMI Categories for Weight Gain during Pregnancy:

• If prepregnant BMI is below 18.5: Gain 28-40 lbs.

• If prepregnant BMI is 18.5-24.9: Gain 25-35 lbs.

• If prepregnant BMI is 25.0-29.9: Gain 15-25 lbs.

• If prepregnant BMI is over 30: Gain 11-20 lbs.

Appropriate Weight Gain

Women of different BMI measurements do not have the same amount of weight to gain. A person with a normal BMI should gain 25-35 lbs. during pregnancy. Women who are underweight should gain the most in terms of their prepregnancy BMI, while women who are overweight should gain the least. During a pregnancy, the fetus weighs the most compared to other factors. Women who are pregnant with more than one fetus are advised to gain more weight to support the development of multiple babies.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy depends on prepregnancy BMI and individual health factors. The infant’s birth weight is influenced by maternal weight gain, nutrition, and overall health during pregnancy.

Inadequate weight gain by the mom during the first and second trimesters can affect birth weight, infant mortality, and intellectual disabilities. Women with a prepregnancy BMI of over 30 have an increased chance of complications during delivery. One of the best indicators of a baby’s future health is birth weight.

BMI Categories for Weight Gain during Pregnancy:

• If prepregnant BMI is below 18.5: Gain 28-40 lbs.

• If prepregnant BMI is 18.5-24.9: Gain 25-35 lbs.

• If prepregnant BMI is 25.0-29.9: Gain 15-25 lbs.

• If prepregnant BMI is over 30: Gain 11-20 lbs.

Appropriate Weight Gain

Women of different BMI measurements do not have the same amount of weight to gain. A person with a normal BMI should gain 25-35 lbs. during pregnancy. Women who are underweight should gain the most in terms of their prepregnancy BMI, while women who are overweight should gain the least. During a pregnancy, the fetus weighs the most compared to other factors. Women who are pregnant with more than one fetus are advised to gain more weight to support the development of multiple babies.

Energy Needs

• Caloric Intake in the 1st Trimester: Women should not significantly increase their calorie intake in the 1st trimester; however, focusing on nutrient-dense foods is critical.

• Caloric Increase in the 2nd Trimester: Recommended increase is about 340 calories per day.

• Caloric Increase in the 3rd Trimester: Recommended increase is about 450 calories per day.

Energy and Macronutrients

During pregnancy, there needs to be an increase in macronutrients in the diet.

Carbohydrates:

• RDA: Increases during pregnancy.

• Function: Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for the fetus and are crucial for fetal growth and development.

• Good Sources: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

• Provided Nutrients from Fruits and Vegetables: Carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Proteins:

• RDA: Increased need (around 71g per day).

• Function of Extra Protein: Required for fetal growth, tissue development, and maternal health.

• Good Sources of Protein: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts.

• Protein Source Rich in Calcium: Dairy products (especially milk).

Fats:

• RDA: Increased level needed for pregnancy.

• Recommended Increase: Increased intake of healthy fats is advised.

• Important Fatty Acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are very important during pregnancy.

• Function: These fatty acids are crucial for fetal brain development and overall growth.

• Sources: Fatty fish (like salmon) and flaxseeds or walnuts.

• What Pregnant Women Should NOT Do: Pregnant women should avoid trans fats and limit their intake of saturated fats, and should also avoid high mercury fish and alcohol consumption.

Pregnant women should drink **2-3 liters** of water/day. Adequate hydration is essential for supporting increased blood volume, maintaining amniotic fluid levels, and facilitating nutrient transport to the fetus.

The combination of fiber and fluids will protect against **constipation**, which is common in pregnancy.