FREE ESSAY ON THE PREGNANCY LIFE STAGE

THE PREGNANCY LIFE STAGE

Running head: PREGNANCY LIFE STAGE Pregnancy Life Stage 1
Pregnancy Life Stage
SCI/160
University of Phoenix
July 25, 2000
Melissa Dolewa
Pregnancy Life Stage
Does nutrition status affect fertility? Good overall nutrition, rather than eating any
specific food, greatly improves your chances of conceiving a child. For women, nutrient
deficiencies and low-calorie diets at one extreme, and obesity at the other, can disrupt
ovulation. Poor nutrition can also have an impact on male fertility. In order to get
pregnant, doctors recommend that both women and men eat healthy, exercise and keep a
positive mental attitude to increase chances of fertilization. 
Eating healthy, exercise and keeping a positive mental attitude are equally important
during pregnancy and after pregnancy. According to www.familyinternet.com, "carrying a
baby for nine months and then providing it with breast milk afterward is a major
nutritional stress on a woman's body. Food intake increases only 15-20%, but requirements
for specific nutrients such as folic acid, zinc, and certain B vitamins may increase by
30-100%." In addition, less than optimal nutrition can result in low-birth weight babies
with increased risk of heart disease and non-insulin-dependent diabetes as adults.
(www.childbirth-connections.com). Both over-eating and under-eating can adversely affect
the qualities and quantities of breast milk, which is explained further under Dietary
Requirements During Pregnancy. During pregnancy, nutrients are passed from mother to
fetus through the placenta, and after birth, through breast-milk.
The main vitamins and nutrients needed by mother and fetus is explained in the chart
below:
Nutrient/Vitamin Amount Needed Benefit Source
Protein Need for pregnant women is increased by 10 to 15 grams daily (1 glass of milk
contains 8 grams of protein). Forms structural basis for all new cells and tissues for
both the mother and fetus www.tdh.tx.us
(Texas Department of Health)
Carbohydrates 50-100 g/daily Prevents ketosis, which, during pregnancy, can cause brain
damage to the fetus. www.tdh.tx.us 
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Nutrient/Vitamin Amount Needed Benefit Source
Folate 400-800 micrograms daily Prevents anemia during pregnancy, may prevent
miscarriage, preserves the integrity of genetic material, and lowers risk of neural tube
defects like spina-bifuda www.familyinternet.com 
Calcium 1000-1500 mg/daily Milk production and growing bones www.familyinternet.com 
Iron 30 mg beginning 12th week of pregnancy Binds oxygen to hemoglobin and prevent
iron-deficiency anemia "Nutrition During Pregnancy", National Academy of Sciences
Vitamin D Adequate sun exposure, or 10 mg/daily for complete vegetarians and 5 mg/daily
for woman who don't eat vitamin D-fortified foods (dairy products) Promotes fetal growth,
bone formation, tooth enamel formation and the proper utilization of calcium
www.familyinternet.com 
Vitamin B-6 2-5 mg/day during 1st & 2nd trimester, not to exceed 20 mg/day in the last
trimester; higher doses may shut off milk production Manufacture of hormones, hemoglobin,
neurotransmitters, many enzymes, and amino acids. www.familyinternet.com 
Vitamin E 200 IU Decreases risk of premature babies and low-birth weight infants and may
lower the risk of miscarriage. www.familyinternet.com 
Vitamin A Follow the RDA of 2700 IU daily Provides baby with vitamin A reserves and
sustains adequate breast-mil concentrations. www.familyinternet.com 
Zinc 10-30 mg daily is sufficient and considered safe; excessive intake of zinc can lower
HDL-cholesterol. Reduces risk of miscarriage, labor complications, neural tube defects
and low-birth babies www.familyinternet.com 
Food plays a major role in promoting a healthy life. However, during the pregnancy cycle,
nutrition is of even greater importance because of the effects on both the mother and
baby. Many people have said that a pregnant mother is eating for two, which in fact is
correct. The mother needs a certain amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins,
water and fiber in the diet each day. 
Pregnancy Life Stage
One suggested food plan, developed by FamilyWeb.com, suggests that during the first 2 to
3 months of pregnancy, a woman should try eating small amounts frequently throughout the
day to keep the energy higher. If the mother only eats larger amounts of food less
frequently, she may experience discomfort due to her energy levels reaching highs and
lows. The food plan also recommends that the mother eat raw vegetables, fruits, juices,
milk, breads and cereals in between meals as a way to keep the metabolic rate and energy
steady.
Each food group has recommended or suggested serving amounts for a pregnant woman. An
outline of the serving amounts for each food group is as follows:
The Five Food Groups Suggested Number of Servings
Fruits and vegetables 4 or more
Milk and dairy products 4
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dried beans, peas and nuts 3 or more
Whole grains, enriched breads and cereals 9 or more
Fats and sweets Vary according to calories needed
It is very important that, during pregnancy, that the mother eats the suggested amounts
from each of the food groups in order to maintain a balanced diet and healthy nutritional
intake. The foods in each group all play a vital role in the diet because of the
following reasons:
-  Fruits and Vegetables - The foods in this group contain vitamins, minerals and fiber,
which is a natural laxative and aids in the regularity of the mother. 
-  Milk and Dairy Products - This group contains calcium and other nutrients produce
strong bones and teeth for the mother and child.
-  Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dried beans, peas, seeds, and nuts - This group of foods is
needed to supply protein needed to help build new tissues and maintain the health of body
cells. 
Pregnancy Life Stage
-  Whole grain or enriched breads and cereals - Breads and cereal foods provide vitamins
and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron. Whole grains and cereals provide essential
elements such as zinc and also fiber. These foods aid in the production of energy.
-  Fats and Sweets - This of foods such as margarine, butter, jellies and sugars are high
in sugar, fat and salt. These should be used to meet additional caloric needs after the
basic nutritional needs have been met. Eating too much of these can crowd the other
necessary nutrients.
Furthermore, it is best to get vitamins and minerals from the foods eaten rather than
from supplements because this is a good sign that the mother has an adequate diet.
However, the doctor may prescribe supplements for iron and folacin because of increased
needs during pregnancy. Also, vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron. By taking iron
supplements with orange juice or such, the mother may double and even triple the amounts
of iron absorbed. Also, it is essential that the mother drink 6 to 8 glassed of water
each day during pregnancy in order to stay properly hydrated. 
There have been stories of pregnant women with cravings such as pickles and ice cream.
Although this may be true, it is fine to eat foods that the pregnant mother craves
occasionally. However, she needs to remember the dietary and nutritional needs that other
foods 
previously mentioned are essential to being a healthy mother and having a healthy baby.
(www.familyweb.com).
While eating the recommended diet a mother should almost automatically gain the proper
amount of weight. The recommended amount of weight gain for the first trimester is 3-5
pounds. The recommendation for the second and third trimester is one pound per week,
which will lead 
Pregnancy Life Stage
to the recommended 25-35 pounds of total weight gain (ivillage.com). It is suggested that
women who are underweight should gain 28-40 pounds, women who are overweight should only
gain 15-25 pounds, and women pregnant with twins should gain 35-45 pounds (women.com).
The blood volume, breast and uterine tissue, amniotic fluid, baby, placenta, and fluid
retention account for 10-15 pounds of normal pregnancy weight gain (www.ivillage.com).
Weight loss or obesity during pregnancy is something that needs to be watched carefully.
Some researchers believe loss of weight during pregnancy causes ketones to be liberated
into the women's blood. They feel that the ketones may be toxic to the babies developing
brains. There is an easy way to measure ketone levels, by simply using a dipstick to test
the urine. You can find dipsticks, such as ketostix at any drugstore. Obesity can cause
various complications during pregnancy. Obesity, which is 20% or more overweight is
associated with increased chance of pregnancy problems, such as:
-  Pregnancy-induced hypertension
-  Urinary tract infections
-  Caesarian deliveries (women.com) 
Besides weight control, exercise is also very important during pregnancy. Active mothers
who exercise will feel better. Outdoor exercise and recreation give you a chance to get 
sunshine and fresh air. Walking is particularly good because it strengthens some of the
muscles you will use in labor. 
Some exercises such as, tailor sitting, the tailor press, the tailor stretch, spinal
C-Curve, and the deeply folded position are useful for strengthening muscles used in
labor and delivery. Another great exercise called the kegel exercise, better known as the
invisible exercise, is
Pregnancy Life Stage
designed to also strengthen pelvic muscles. These exercises are all quite simple to do
and should be done for a few minutes each day during pregnancy. 
Maintaining fitness levels while pregnant will provide strength and stamina during labor,
and help you get back into shape more easily once the baby is born. Women who exercise
before getting pregnant can keep doing so during pregnancy. However, women must remember
to always consult with their obstetrician or other health care provider before beginning
any new or rigorous exercise/activity while pregnant.
Last but definitely not least, there are the social environmental effects of pregnancy.
Home life, work life, school, family and relationships all can have positive or negative
effects on a mother's social environment. Due to the social effects of teen pregnancy, it
is considered a negative social environment. Teens are generally not ready to handle the
nutritional and environmental needs during pregnancy. It is essential that a mother keeps
and positive mental state and stress to a minimum, because if not, there are higher risks
of miscarriages due to chemical reactions in the body. Stress can also lead to substance
abuse and pregnant women should also stay away from drinking alcohol, drugs and
cigarettes. Because of damages proven by research, these habits have become socially
unacceptable. Such ailments, like alcohol use are associated with premature birth, low
birth weight, and increased labor complications. According to the Texas Department of
Health, smoking women are two times more likely to suffer a miscarriage than non-smokers
and drug use can be fatal to both the mother and child. 
Pregnancy Life Stage
Summary
Not only is it important to eat right, exercise and keep a positive mental state during
pregnancy. It is just as essential to be aware of the needs of a mother before getting
pregnant. Pregnancy is a stage in life, where lifestyle plays a vital role in promoting a
healthy life for both a mother and a child. This is why women who become pregnant should
contact their doctor immediately to start optimizing their needs as well as the needs of
the child. 
Bibliography:
Natal Care, The Pregnant Lifestyle. http://www.familyweb.com/pregnancy/natal,2000
Shanahan, Shelly, Nutririon and Weight. www.women.com, 2000. 
Plumbo, Peg, Weight Gain Reccommendations. www.ivillage.com, 2000. 
http://www.parentsplace.com
http://www.babycenter.com
http://www.familyinternet.com
http://www.childbirth-connections.com
http://www.familyweb.com