Question

Case study 1 -Terrah

Terrah is 17 and just found out she is 12 weeks pregnant. She has been feeling nauseous and had a poor appetite, but it has subsided in the last week.

1. What are some key points of advice you can give Terrah regarding her diet as a pregnant teenager to improve a successful outcome for her and the baby?

2. What are the key nutrients of concern?

Answer 1

Ans 1. One of the most important things during pregnancy is the maintenance of a healthy and proper diet. During this period the mother's body needs additional nutrients for the proper growth of the fetus. These nutrients can be obtained by including the following foods stuffs in the daily food which will be helpful for the proper growth and development of the baby and also for the maintenance of healthy growth of the mother. The most important dietary included are as follows:

1. Legumes - It includes mainly peas, soybeans, beans, peanuts, and chickpeas. These are very good sources of plant-based protein, iron, fiber, calcium, and folate (B9) which your body needs in more amounts during pregnancy. B vitamins (B9) from folate is very important for the health of the fetus and mother during the first trimester.

2. Carrot and Sweet potato - This is perfect beta carotene source that is converted into vitamin A by your body. Vitamin A is essential to your growing fetus for growth and cell differentiation.

3. Dairy Products - These are a great option for pregnant women, especially yogurt. They help in meeting rising requirements for protein and calcium. Probiotics also can lead to reducing the risk of complications.

4. Salmon and Fish Liver Oil - Salmon contains essential omega 3 omega EPA and DHA fatty acids which are vital to for developing baby's brain and eye growth. It's a good vitamin D source as well. Single portion of the fatty oils omega 3, vitamin D, or vitamin A (1 tablespoon or 15 ml) of fish liver oil provides more than the necessary amount. For women who do not eat seafood, fish liver oil can be particularly important.

5. Broccoli and Dark, Leafy Greens - The bulk of pregnant women's nutrients are found in Broccoli and vegetables. They are also abundant in fiber, which can avoid constipation or prevent it.

6. Eggs - Whole eggs are extremely nutritious and an ideal way to increase the overall intake of nutrients. It also contains choline, a crucial nutrient of brain health and growth.

7. Berries - Beers include sugar, carbohydrates, vitamin C, minerals, antioxidants, and herbal compounds. These help in increasing their intake of nutrients and water.

8. Lean Meat - Lean meat is a high-quality protein source. Like beef and pork, which are essential ingredients during pregnancy, also feature-rich in iron, choline, and vitamin B.

9. Whole Grains - Fiber, minerals, and compounds of plants are packed into whole grains. They are also made of B vitamins, fibers, and magnesium — something that women who are pregnant need.

10. Water - The increased blood volume during pregnancy is critical for drinking water. Effective hydration can also avoid constipation and infections of the urinary tract.

11. Dried Fruit - For pregnant women, dried fruit can be very useful as they are small and dense in nutrients. Only keep the servings small and eliminate and candied varieties should be avoided to stop an unnecessary intake of sugar.

12. Avocados - Avocados contain a significant number of fatty acids, starch, folate, and potassium monounsaturated. It helps to improve the fetal health of pregnant women and alleviate leg cramps.

Ans 2. The most important key nutrients during pregnancy are iron, calcium, Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and Folate (Folic Acid). These are the most key nutrients required during pregnancy of a mother to be supplemented in an appropriate amount for proper health and development of mother and fetus.