Nutrition During Gestation: Videos & Practice Problems

What is the approximate recommended daily fluid intake for pregnant women, and how does it compare to the non-pregnant RDA?

Calculate the additional fluid volume in milliliters per day that a pregnant woman should consume compared to the non-pregnant RDA (3.0 L pregnancy vs 2.7 L non-pregnant). Show your calculation.

Which of the following behavioral/dietary strategies is most evidence-based for reducing morning sickness symptoms?

A pregnant patient in her third trimester reports frequent heartburn (GER). Which combination of dietary and behavioral changes would most likely reduce GER symptoms?

Which of the following correctly matches trimester timing to a key concept?

Calculate the total extra kilocalories a pregnant woman would consume during the second trimester if she follows the recommendation of an additional 350 kcal/day for the entire second trimester. Assume the second trimester spans weeks 14 through 27 inclusive. Show your steps.

Estimate the expected total pregnancy weight gain range for a woman who starts pregnancy at a healthy BMI, using typical trimester expectations: 1st trimester 3–5 lb total, 2nd trimester about 12–13 lb, and 3rd trimester about 12 lb. What is the reasonable total weight gain range?

What is the minimum recommended amount of low-to-moderate intensity physical activity per week for most pregnant women to support better pregnancy outcomes?

A pregnant patient reports she exercises briskly for 200 minutes per week. How would you interpret this with respect to guidelines and potential benefits?

Which of the following best defines PICA in pregnancy?

A patient reports persistent cravings for ice and clay and has low hemoglobin on screening. Which action is most appropriate?

A clinician counsels a patient with pre-pregnancy BMI of 32 (obese) about total GWG goals. According to commonly used IOM guidelines, which total GWG range should be recommended and why?

A healthy pregnant woman is 70 kg and in her third trimester. For counseling, calculate (a) her daily protein requirement using 1.1 g/kg/day, (b) the recommended daily carbohydrate minimum, and (c) the additional daily kilocalories recommended for third trimester. Present numeric answers and show calculations.

A vegetarian pregnant patient is concerned about meeting iron and zinc RDAs. Which combined strategy best synthesizes dietary and supplement recommendations to meet these micronutrient needs?

Which statement best reflects how regular moderate exercise during pregnancy influences maternal health risks?

You see a patient who reports aversions to meat and eggs in early pregnancy and is avoiding those foods completely. Her diet is now low in heme iron. What is the best analytic next step?

For an obese woman (BMI 32) who plans to aim for a total GWG of 15 lb and gained 3.5 lb in the first trimester, evaluate the average weekly gain required during weeks 14–40. Show your calculations and determine whether this weekly rate is lower than the typical ~1 lb/week expected for healthy-BMI women.

During which trimester is the embryo/fetus most susceptible to teratogens and major structural abnormalities?