In: Nursing
A pregnant patient is considering a “no-carb” diet. As her Attending Physician, it is your responsibility to educate her regarding the important of carbohydrates dietarily and during her impending postpartum period. Your answer should address the various roles carbohydrate play, in general, in the body and human milk oligosaccharides.
Pregnancy is a stage where the women body undergoes various
physiological changes. The body of pregnant women demands more
amount of nutrients to support the growing fetus.
Carbohydrate is a very important source for providing the energy
needed during pregnancy. Carbohydrates can be easily broken down
into glucose which is the main source of energy to our body cell.
Glucose can also easily cross the placenta and provide nutrition to
the fetus. Carbohydrates are also rich in dietary fibres that help
maintain good digestion during pregnancy and prevent constipation.
Carbohydrates are also good source of iron, vitamin B and calcium
necessary for growth and development of fetus.
Carbohydrates are also needed in postpartum period to provide
the mother with essential amount of energy and heal her body. The
breastmilk contains lactose which is an oligosaccharide. This
oligosachharide comes from dietary carbohydrate. Thus carbohydrates
are necessary to maintain sufficient breast milk flow in lactating
women.