Chapter 13: Nutrition & Health Promotion During Pregnancy

Nutrition & Health Promotion During Pregnancy begins by outlining the nursing process for nutritional assessment, advocating for tools such as the 24-hour recall and physical examinations to identify potential deficits or surpluses. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to weight gain recommendations based on pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI), categorizing guidelines for individuals who are underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese to prevent complications like gestational hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction. The content details the specific metabolic demands of pregnancy, specifying the need for increased caloric intake and essential macronutrients, particularly complete proteins and omega-3 fatty acids necessary for fetal cell generation. Micronutrient requirements are thoroughly examined, with a strong focus on folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects, alongside the management of iron, calcium, and vitamin D levels. The chapter also provides safety guidelines regarding foods to avoid, such as high-mercury fish, unpasteurized dairy, and alcohol, while offering therapeutic strategies for managing common pregnancy-related gastrointestinal issues like nausea, hyperemesis gravidarum, pyrosis, and constipation. Furthermore, it addresses the unique nutritional complexities faced by specific populations, including adolescents, multiparas, vegetarians, and individuals with medical conditions such as phenylketonuria (PKU), lactose intolerance, or a history of bariatric surgery. Finally, the text highlights the role of federal assistance programs like WIC and SNAP in supporting socioeconomically vulnerable families to ensure equitable health outcomes.