NUTRITIONAL NEEDS DURING PREGNANCY Some specific nutrient requirements are increased dramatically during preg-nancy, as can be seen in Table 11-2. These figures are recommended for the general U.S. population; the physician may suggest alternative figures based on the client’s nutritional status, age, and activities. The protein requirement is increased by 20% for the pregnant woman over 25 and by 25% for the pregnant adolescent. Proteins are essential for tissue building, and protein-rich foods are excellent sources of many other essential nutrients, especially iron, copper, zinc, and the B vitamins. Current research indicates there is no need for increased vitamin A dur-ing pregnancy. Excess vitamin A (more than 3,000 RE) has been known to cause birth defects such as hydrocephaly (enlargement of the fluid-filled spaces of the brain), microcephaly (small head), mental retardation, ear and eye abnormalities, cleft lip and palate, and heart defects. The required amou...
Comments
Post a Comment