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Running head: HEALTH & NUTRITION THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY

Health & Nutrition throughout Pregnancy Abigail Fish, Josh Gibson, Sara Staffen, Jenna Winters Ferris State University

HEALTH & NUTRITION THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY Health & Nutrition throughout Pregnancy It is the nurses role to understand the physical and nutritional needs of their patient in any given stage of development. Our group, Be Fit, is focusing on pregnancy and the requirements of nutrition promoting healthy fetal development. Good nutrition is crucial for the health of the mother and developing fetus. When considering the Biological domain of pregnancy, a nurse must be cognizant of the physiological health status of the mother before, during, and after pregnancy. For example, potential complications could arise if the pregnant woman is a diabetic before becoming pregnant or develops gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Dietary Guidelines and Nutritional Requirements A pregnant woman needs an ample amount of nutrients to keep her own body healthy and enough remaining nutrients to promote growth and development of a healthy baby. According to the Colorado Department of Health (2011), nutrition risk factors for pregnant women are related to gestational weight gain or loss. Malnutrition leading to fetal abnormalities and gestational diabetes are just two examples of complications that could arise as a result of poor nutrition during pregnancy. During pregnancy daily healthy eating should remain virtually the same with an increase of caloric intake. It is important for a pregnant woman to include, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein in her diet. There are several nutrients that should also be supplemented daily during pregnancy. Folic acid (800 micrograms) protects against neural tube defects. Calcium (1,000 milligrams) and Vitamin D (600 IU) strengthen the babys growing bones and teeth. Colorado Department of Health (2011). Research by Butte and King (2005) supports that the estimated total energy cost throughout pregnancy for women with a mean gestational weight gain of 12 kg is roughly 77,000

HEALTH & NUTRITION THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY kcal or food calories. Therefore, an increased consumption of approximately 89 food calories per day is recommended in the first trimester, 287 food calories per day the second trimester, and 466 food calories per day the third trimester. Nutrition risk factors help to identify the people who would most benefit from federal or state assistance services and to identify what kinds of education and specialist referrals the patient may require. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a supplemental food assistance program, is just one of those nutritionally based programs that falls under the political domain of health promotion. Environmental factors that influence pregnancy include safety concerns in and around the home. Avoiding cigarette smoke, toxic chemicals and cleaners and making sure fruits and vegetables are washed clean of pesticides is of the upmost priorities during pregnancy. Psychological concerns for a pregnant woman include the use of psychotropic drugs and weighing the risk and benefits of the medication versus effects on the developing fetus. Another concern is the mothers individual feelings, for example, a mother than has issues with body image may not like gaining weight during pregnancy and therefore will not consume enough nutrients or calories to ensure the health of her and her baby. A balanced diet and prenatal vitamins are the building blocks of a healthy pregnancy. There are many more factors that contribute to the health of a pregnant woman and her growing baby. Age, ethnicity, promotion of health, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and environment are all major factors in proper fetal development and the health of a pregnant woman. (Fish, Gibson, Staffen, & Winters, 2013)

HEALTH & NUTRITION THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY References


Fish, A., Gibson, J., Staffen, S., & Winters, J. (2013, June). Be Fit: Lifespan Nutrition. Healthcare promotion lecture, Big Rapids, MI.

Huerta, C. & Maville, J. (2013). Health Promotion in Nursing. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning.

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