Answer:
The state of pregnancy demands additional nutrients. The developing baby requires calories, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, healthy unsaturated fats, folic acid, choline, calcium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, magnesium, fluoride, iodine, fluids, and Vitamins B6, C, A, D, E, and K. Pregnant women should avoid foods such as smoked seafood, cold cuts from the deli counter, uncooked meats, and unpasteurized foods because they could contain listeria, causing the mother to be infected with listeriosis. Mothers should also avoid king mackerel, tilefish, shark, and swordfish because of the high mercury levels these types of fish contain. Women should check with their doctor about consumption of supplements and herbal remedies during pregnancy.
Explanation:
Women with poor vitamin, mineral, and overall nutrient intake should change their diet. Elimination of alcohol and substance abuse is crucial to prevent birth defects and developmental delay. Eating a diet that includes a variety of foods, combined with physical activity (which the doctor approves), promotes optimal outcomes.
Calcium is for muscular and nervous system function and provides structure to skeletal mass. Calcium is in dairy, fortified foods such as cereals, orange juice, and dark, leafy greens.
Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for organ and brain function. Healthy sources of carbohydrates are in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is necessary for gut health. Fiber is in whole grains, rice, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Folic acid is important for DNA synthesis. Folic acid is in fortified foods such as bread and cereal, leafy green vegetables, legumes, and nuts.
Unsaturated fats help with the absorption of certain nutrients and help with brain and hormone development. Oils, avocado, nuts, seeds, and salmon contain healthy fats.
Iodine helps the thyroid, which regulates metabolism, to function properly. The primary source of iodine is iodized salt. Seafood such as cod and shrimp are also good sources of iodine.
Iron is in the blood and helps with transportation of oxygen delivery to cells. Food sources of iron include meats, fish, poultry, legumes, fortified cereals, and dark, leafy greens.
Protein is necessary for development of lean body mass. Sources of protein include meat, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamin A plays a role in gene expression, birth weight, and head circumference, and promotes growth and development. Food sources include milk, egg yolk, apricots, cantaloupe, peaches, and orange or yellow, dark, leafy greens.
Vitamin B6 helps with the breakdown of amino acids and unsaturated fats. Food sources include pork, milk, egg yolk, oatmeal, legumes, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of tissue and helps with growth. Vitamin B12 is present in animal products such as meats, poultry, eggs, and milk.
Vitamin C helps with immune function, wound healing, and iron absorption. Food sources of iron include citrus fruit, tomatoes, melons, strawberries, and fortified foods such as cereals and juices.
Vitamin D helps with the absorption and deposition of calcium into bones and teeth. Food sources include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, salmon, fortified cereals, and orange juice.