Pregnancy and Fetal Nutrition

Placenta Development  Develops in early days of pregnancy  Amniotic sac- “bag of water”  Umbilical cord- route of nourishment and oxygen  Performs respiratory, absorptive, and excretory functions

Energy Needs  300 extra calories during 2 nd and 3 rd trimester  More: teenagers, underweight, physically active  Choose healthy

Protein  10g more daily than RDA  Most Americans get more protein than needed  Avoid supplements

Essential Fatty Acids  Omega-3 and omega-6  Brain growth, function, and structure  Include seafood in diet

Folate  Supplements, fortified foods, and  Fruits  Juices  Green vegetables  Whole grains .4 mg daily  Prevents neural tube defects (NTD)

B12  Activates folate enzyme  Meat  Fish  Eggs  Milk products

Iron  Supports enlarged blood volume  Fetus draws from iron stores of mom to build its own  4-6 months worth  Meats  Fortified grain products

Enhancing Iron Absorption  Take supplement during 2 nd and 3 rd trimester  Do not take with milk, coffee or tea  Inhibits iron absorption  Take with Vitamin C rich foods

Zinc  DNA / RNA synthesis  Protein synthesis, cell development  Dairy products, beans, whole grain cereals

Vitamin D  Calcium absorption  Rickets in fetus  Exposure to sunlight  Vitamin D fortified milk

Calcium  Need more than 600 mg daily  Milk  Cheese  Yogurt  Can take supplement

Nutrient Supplements  Multivitamin recommended  High risk groups  Multiple fetuses  Cigarette smokers  Alcohol and drug abusers  Help reduce:  Preterm delivery, low birth weights, birth defects

Good Eating During Pregnancy  Milk Group- 3 servings  Meat Group- 3 servings  Fruit Group- 3 servings  Vegetable Group- 4 servings  Bread Group- 9 servings  Fats, Oils, Sweets- use sparingly

1 Day Menu  Create a 1 day menu for a pregnant woman and follow the serving recommendations  Your menu must include:  Breakfast  Lunch  Afternoon Snack  Dinner  Bedtime Snack  Be sure to include color illustrations