Prenatal Care
Eating Right
-Healthy eating during
pregnancy is very important,
for the baby and for the
woman carrying the child
(ex. Can relieve common
discomforts of pregnancy)
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Changing Habits
-Nutrient Density: the relationship
between the amount and types of
nutrients a food has and the number
of calories it contains
-Pregnant women consume more
calories
-Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy
Eating
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Changing Habits
Protein
-Amino acids in protein help build
the brain, muscles, hair, skin, nails,
immune system
Carbohydrates
-Many of an expectant mothers
calories come from carbohydrates
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Changing Habits
Fats
-Some fats can be vital for health and energy
Vitamins
-The necessary vitamins can come from
nutritious foods
-Folic acid, B vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C,
and Vitamin D are very important for a
pregnant woman
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Changing Habits
Minerals
-Calcium and iron are important
minerals for expectant mothers and
their babies
Water
-Water is extremely important for
both the mother and baby
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Weight Gain
-It is important for the health of the baby that the expectant
mother gains weight during pregnancy
-The placenta, additional blood, and expanded tissues, weigh
about twice what the fetus does
-Average weight gain is for first trimester (3-4 lbs), second
trimester (12-14 lbs), third trimester (8-10 lbs)
-A sudden big gain can indicate water retention 8
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Adequate Activity and Rest
-Sleep is very important
-Working women can and usually do continue working until
they are ready to have their child
Exercise
-Exercise can help energize an expectant mother
-Discuss any athletic activities with your health-care
provider 10
Emotions
-Mood shifts and
irritability are
common
-Hormones play a
role during
pregnancy
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Common Worries
-Gaining strength from your
partner during pregnancy months is
very important
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Stress
-Mood swings increase when
the mother is under stress
-Stress is physical and
emotional tension caused by
pressures, change and
important events
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Dangers to the Fetus
-Teratogens: substances and exposures that
can cause birth defects
-Infection, harmful fumes, alcohol, drugs
-The substances the pregnant woman is
exposed to is transmitted to the developing
fetus
Alcohol
-No amount of alcohol is considered safe for a
fetus 15
Dangers to the Fetus
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
-A condition that is the leading
cause of a mental challenge
-Clumsiness, behavioural and
social problems, student growth,
etc. are reported in children that
have FAS
-FAE (fetal alcohol effects)
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Dangers to the Fetus
Smoking
-Smoking can reduce the amount of oxygen the fetus receives
Drugs
-Can cause low birth weight and premature birth, and other
effects on the child
Caffeine
-Can draw fluids and calcium needed by the mother and fetus
out of her body. Can interfere with iron absorption
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Medications
-Health care providers should be
aware of any prescription drugs the
patient is taking
-Consult your doctor before taking
any medications
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Common Diseases that can Affect the Fetus
-Rubella
-Chicken pox
-Toxoplasmosis
-Etc.
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X-rays
-X-rays should be avoided so the
pregnant woman does not come in
contact with radiation
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Pregnancy Complications
-Preeclampsia: a type of high blood
pressure. Patients are monitored for this.
-If this is left untreated, it can turn into
eclampsia
-Gestational Diabetes: usually disappears
after pregnancy. Can be treated with a
special diet and exercise plan.
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Prenatal Care Brochure
Instructions:
● You will develop a brochure that could be distributed in doctors’ offices,
hospitals, and other places where pregnant women might pick them up.
● You will describe at least five teratogens that should be avoided during
pregnancy.
● The brochure should describe about what they are, where they are found, why
they might be harmful, and how to avoid them.
● The brochure must include illustrations
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