Nutrition & Wellness in Pregnancy Flashcards

The recommended total weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5–24.9) is:

Answer: 25–35 lbs

The Institute of Medicine recommends a total weight gain of 25–35 lbs for women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI.

Which nutrient deficiency during pregnancy is most associated with neural tube defects such as spina bifida?

Answer: Folic acid

Inadequate folic acid (folate/vitamin B9) during early neural tube formation (weeks 3–4) significantly increases the risk of neural tube defects.

Pregnant women should avoid which type of fish due to high mercury content?

Answer: Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish

The FDA advises pregnant women to avoid high-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, bigeye tuna) due to risk of fetal neurological damage.

Gestational diabetes is best managed with which primary intervention?

Answer: Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) as first-line treatment

Medical nutrition therapy — controlling carbohydrate intake, meal timing, and food choices — is the cornerstone first-line treatment for gestational diabetes.

Daily calcium requirements increase during pregnancy to approximately:

Answer: 1000 mg/day

Pregnant women need approximately 1000 mg of calcium daily to support fetal bone and teeth development without depleting maternal bone density.

Which food is NOT recommended during pregnancy due to risk of Listeria infection?

Answer: Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk (e.g., Brie, queso fresco)

Unpasteurized soft cheeses can harbor Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe neonatal infection.