Nutrition Concerns and Complaints of Pregnancy

1. Nutrition Concerns and Complaints of Pregnancy

2. Herbal Supplements They are have not been tested and approved by the FDA Herbs may contain substances that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, uterine contractions, or injury to the fetus. Ask your healthcare provider None are recommended

3. Pica Pica is the practice of craving substances with little or no nutritional value. Common: dirt, clay, and laundry starch, ice, cornstarch, toothpaste, soap, sand, plaster, coffee grounds, baking soda, and cigarette ashes. May be caused by nutrient deficiency (iron) None, Seek the help of your healthcare provider May prevent absorption of nutrient and Cause a nutrient deficiency or items may be toxic

4. Alcohol Causes birth defect FAS Learning disabilities and behavioral problems Heart and Facial deformities Most women do not know that they are pregnant for the first month and a half. Do not drink if you may become pregnant No amount of Alcohol is safe

5. Caffeine • Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic • Raises blood pressure and heart rate • Lowers body fluid levels • Caffeine crosses the placenta to your baby • Interrupt wake and sleep patterns The less you consume the better

6. Artificial Sweeteners • Some non-nutritive sweeteners are considered relatively safe during pregnancy • The following are not considered safe: • Sweet N Low Ask your doctor but it is best to avoid them

7. Heavy Metals Drinking contaminated water or Eating fish contaminated with mercury Mercury poisoning can affect brain development and the nervous system. AVOID: Grouper, shark, king mackerel, swordfish and tilefish No more than one serving per week for other fish

8. Pesticides During the first trimester of pregnancy, the nervous system is rapidly developing in your baby, so you definitely want to avoid any type of contact with pesticides during this time. Oral clefts, NTD, Heart and Limb Defects Avoid them as much as possible Especially during the 1st trimester

9. Smoking • When you smoke during pregnancy, your baby is exposed to dangerous chemicals which can lessen the amount of oxygen that your baby gets. • Oxygen is very important for helping your baby grow healthy. • Can cause: • Etopic Pregnancy • Still Birth • Cleft lip or palate • Low birth weight None is safe Avoid 2nd and 3rd hand smoke also

10. Neural Tube Defects Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. The two most common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. Getting enough folic acid prevents most neural tube defects.

11. Constipation Constipation occurs when there is abdominal pain or discomfort, difficult and infrequent bowel movements, and the passage of hard stools. Eat a high fiber diet Drink a lot of fluids Exercise routinely Over-the-counter remedies Reduce or eliminate iron supplements

12. Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are varicose (swollen) veins of the rectum and are usually painful Constipation combined with the increased pressure on the rectum and perineum is the primary reason that women experience hemorrhoids. Place baking soda (wet or dry) on the area to reduce itching Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding Avoid sitting for long periods Use Tucks Medicated Pads Eat a high fiber diet Drink plenty of fluids Drink prune juice Do not delay going to the bathroom Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

13. Heartburn Heartburn occurs when the valve between the stomach and the food pipe (esophagus) are unable to prevent the stomach acids from passing back into the esophagus. Pregnancy can increase the frequency of heartburn because the hormone progesterone causes the valve to relax. Eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals Wait an hour after eating to lie down Avoid spicy, greasy and fatty foods If you are experiencing heartburn, there are a few natural things you can do to relieve the symptoms: Eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk

14. Gestational Diabetes If diabetes is not well controlled, a mom and baby could face serious health complications: The woman is more likely to have a miscarriage and stillbirth.  Heart defects and neural tube defects are more common among babies born to women with diabetes. The baby is likely to be very large (10 pounds or more). Take insulin as directed by doctor Eat plenty of lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains Avoid junk foods Exercise 2 ½ hrs per week

15. Hypertension High blood pressure From water retention Can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. If the placenta doesn't get enough blood, your baby gets less oxygen and food. This can result in low birth weight. It is also called toxemia or preeclampsia Rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels. Increase prenatal checkups. Consume less salt. Drink 8 glasses of water a day.

16. Nausea & Vomiting Mild nausea and vomiting (often called "morning sickness") are common during the first trimester of pregnancy. Morning sickness doesn't necessarily occur in the morning. Get up slowly in the morning. Eat smaller meals. Drink fluids often during the day.