A nurse is reinforcing nutritional teaching with a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
A.
“You should increase your daily calorie intake by 750 calories.”.
B.
“You should increase your folic acid intake during your pregnancy.”.
C.
“You should limit your iron intake during your first trimester.”.
D.
“You should stop taking your prenatal vitamin if you experience nausea.”.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. “You should increase your folic acid intake during your pregnancy.”
Explanation:
Folic acid is essential during pregnancy, particularly in the early stages, as it plays a critical role in the development of the neural tube, which forms the baby’s brain and spinal cord. An increase in folic acid intake is recommended because it helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The recommended daily intake of folic acid for women of childbearing age is 400 mcg, but during pregnancy, this increases to 600 mcg. Folic acid supplementation should ideally begin before conception and continue throughout the pregnancy to ensure optimal fetal development.
Option A:
Increasing caloric intake by 750 calories during early pregnancy is unnecessary and incorrect. The nutritional energy requirements increase gradually as pregnancy progresses. During the first trimester (up to 12 weeks), the caloric intake does not need to be significantly higher. In the second trimester, the recommended increase is about 340 calories per day, and in the third trimester, it increases to about 450 calories per day. A sudden increase of 750 calories, especially in the first trimester, could lead to excessive weight gain, which could pose health risks to both the mother and the baby.
Option C:
Iron intake should not be limited during pregnancy. In fact, iron needs increase to support the increased blood volume and the development of the placenta and fetus. Pregnant women require approximately 27 mg of iron per day. Iron deficiency anemia is common during pregnancy and can lead to fatigue, low birth weight, and premature delivery if not properly managed.
Option D:
Stopping prenatal vitamins due to nausea is not recommended. If a client experiences nausea from prenatal vitamins, they should consult their healthcare provider. Sometimes, taking the vitamin at a different time of day, with food, or switching to a different formulation can help alleviate nausea while ensuring the client continues to receive necessary nutrients.