Question

Proper attention to a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can maximize birth outcomes; alternatively, ingestion of agents that cross the placental barrier and can cause harm to the developing fetus should be avoided. Determine whether each practice should be included or avoided to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and baby.

Answer 1

Answer:

Both practices (healthy lifestyle & avoiding exposure of harmful chemicals) should be equally ensured to maintain a healthy pregnancy, which is crucial for the health of the mother as well as the baby.

Explanation

To maintain a healthy pregnancy, it is equally necessary to eat healthy food and avoid any exposure of harmful that could enter the bloodstream of the mother and thus placenta, exposing both mother and fetus.

Example of non-healthy diet and consequences: For example, if a pregnant mother eats pineapples in the first trimester, it can lead to the contractions in the uterus and softens the cervix causing harm to the fetus even miscarriages. This is due to the presence of an enzyme known as "bromelain" in the pineapple juice.

Example of chemical exposure and consequences: Exposure of chemicals may lead to miscarriage, or slowing down the growth of the baby, or may also cause birth defects. It depends on the nature and exposure concentration of the chemical. Further, in the first trimester, the baby (fetus) is highly sensitive to chemicals. An example of the source of some harmful chemicals is by eating pesticides contaminated food or by drug intake. Therefore, organic foods are recommended during pregnancy. Likewise, studies have also shown that pregnant women who live close to farms have seen high chances of miscarriages then those who don't live close to the farms.