Question

Malinda and her husband are planning for their first child and are meeting with a dietitian for advice on dietary changes to make to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Malinda is 26 years old, 5’ 4” tall and weighs 156 lbs. She’s relatively healthy with just borderline insulin resistance according to her doctor. Unfortunately, neither she nor her husband cook, so they rely heavily on packaged meals and fast food, does, and both enjoy an alcoholic drink a couple of times a week.

Question 1: In this scenario, you are the nutrition expert. Based upon what Malinda has told you about her eating habits, identify two nutrients that are important to fetal growth and development that may not be adequate in her diet. Explain the potential outcome of deficiency in these nutrients and make suggestions on how to improve Malinda’s diet. You will need to defend your answer using specific facts, data, and other information drawn from the textbook and at least one other supplemental source.

Answer 1

Answer: The two nutrients that are important to fetal growth and development that may not be adequate in the diet are:

• Folic acid: This is most important nutrients as it ensures the brain and neural development of fetus.
• Iron: It is important as it provides sufficient amount of oxygen to the fetus. It nourishes the fetus and provide food supply.

If these nutrients will nit be sufficient during pregnancy then there will be chances of:

• Low birth weight
• Poor brain development
• May cause genetic disorder
• Poor respiratory organ development.

It is important to take enough amount of nutrients during pregnancy. Hence folic acid supplements and iron capsules should be taken to reduce the risk related to the birth.