Pregnancy

Recommendation for women of childbearing age:
400 micrograms folic acid/day –to prevent neural tube defects, birth defects that involve the spinal column, child can’t walk, need leg braces or crutches or wheelchair NTD
Cereals, pasta, rice, bread (enriched)
Avoid high doses of retinol (Vitamin A)
May be teratogenic – substance causes birth defects
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) : 3,000µg
Must avoid drugs contain vit A or vit A analogs (acne medications)
Pregnant women CAN and SHOULD eat as much as they like of F&V rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids  no risk of birth defects and offer many health benefits




Maternal obesity, higher risk for:
Preterm delivery and stillbirth
High blood pressure
Gestational diabetes
Preeclampsia
Prolonged labor
Unplanned cesarean section
Difficulty initiating and continuing breastfeeding

Not a good idea for pregnant woman to diet
Maintain a healthy weight

HEALTH HABIT
Should give up cigarettes, alcohol, illicit drugs well before becoming pregnant
Likely to enter pregnancy with a low BMI and deficient nutritional stores.

Pattern of Weight Gain
First trimester
Normal weight - 3.5 pounds, Underweight - 5 pounds, Overweight - 2 pounds
2nd & 3rd trimester
Normal wt & underweight – little less than 1 pound (0.4kg) per week
Overweight - 2/3 pound per week.

Energy and nutrient needs
Need for calories increases by a smaller % than the need for most vitamins and minerals. Nutrient dense
Tobacco and alcohol
Damaging effects on a developing fetus
Caffeine
Effect is less conclusive, limiting is recommended
Exercise
Type - “low-impact”, prevent high internal body temperature.