POST BASIC MIDWIFERY PROGRAMM

MODULE 3
GROUP PRESENTATION

Group Members:
 Yolanda Domingo
 Anniesa Khan
 Pinkette Sookdeo
Topic: Discuss the Nutritional High-Risk Mothers
Tutor: Sister Shavon Prince
 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this presentation student will be able to:

 Define pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)/gestational hypertension,
different types of anemia, anemia in pregnancy, obesity, & gestational
diabetes.
 Diet used by high-risk mothers
 Excessive intake of certain nutrients
 INTRODUCTION
Good maternal nutrition is required for a successful and healthy pregnancy as
poor nutrition is lined with unfavorable pregnancy outcome. During pregnancy
the nutrients needs of the mother increases for development of maternal
organs such as uterus, placenta, fetus, breast tissue and also to build up body
reserves to be used at time of delivery. The mother should consume a
balanced diet in order to meet the demands.
Pregnancy induced- hypertension (PIH)
Definition
This is the development of hypertension at before or after 20 weeks gestation
when the woman’s diastolic blood pressure is <90mmHg. There are no signs of
pre-eclampsia. It is diagnosed when, after resting, the woman’s blood pressure
rises above 140/90mmHg, on at least two occasions, no more than 1 week
apart after the 20th week of pregnancy in a woman known to be normotensive.
The blood pressure usually returns to normal by 6 weeks postpartum.

Diet used by high-risk mothers

 Vegetables (squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli)
 Olive oil
 Fruits (strawberries, banana, apple, grapes, watermelon)
 Protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin A, iron and folic acid rich food
(peas, beans, whole grains, peanuts)
Gestational Hypertension
Definition
This condition happens when only have high blood pressure during pregnancy
and do not have protein present in urine or other heart or kidney problems.
Gestational hypertension usually goes away after giving birth.

Diet used by high-risk mothers

 Eat 4 or 5 servings of vegetables each day.
 Eat 4 or 5 servings of fruits each day.
 Have 2 or 3 servings of fat free or low-fat dairy products a day.
 Limit fish, poultry and meat to two 3-ounce servings per day.
 Have 4 to 5 servings of legumes, seeds or nuts each week.
 Whole cereals.
Obesity
Definition
Obesity defined as abnormal or excess fat accumulation that presents a risk to
health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is consider overweight and over 30 is
obese. (According to WHO)

Diet used by high-risk mothers

 Daily meals of pregnant woman should include mainly starchy foods,
high fibre-rich foods, consuming foods rich in 3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids during pregnancy is known to reduce the risk of obesity in the
child.
 Taking supplements such as folic acid and vitamin C
 DASH (Diet Approach to Stopping Hypertension) diet’, which mostly
comprises vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, fish, and lean meat. The
diet is particularly suitable for pregnant women as it contains a higher
amount of calcium, potassium, and lean protein.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Definition
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This is defined as carbohydrates
intolerance resulting in hyperglycemia of variable severity, with its onset or
first recognition during pregnancy. This type of diabetes develops during
pregnancy in women who don’t already have diabetes. (According WHO)

Signs & Symptoms:

 increased thirst
 increased urine volume
 unexplained weight loss
 tiredness
 dry mouth
 blurred eye sight

Diet used by high-risk mothers

 Plenty of whole fruits and vegetables.
 Moderate amounts of lean proteins and healthy fats.
 Moderate amounts of whole grains, such as bread, cereal, pasta and rice
plus starchy vegetables, such as corn and peas.
 Fewer foods that have a lot of sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit juices and
pastries.
Anemia in Pregnancy
Definition
Anaemia is a reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood; this may
be caused by decrease in red blood cell (RBC) production, or reduction in
haemoglobin (HB) content of the blood, or a combination of these.
During pregnancy, proper nutrition is crucial for the health and development
of both the mother and the growing fetus. A deficiency in certain nutrients can
lead to various conditions that may affect the pregnancy. Here are some
common nutritional deficiencies and their potential consequences during
pregnancy.

The Different Types of Anemia in Pregnancy

Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, a
condition where there is a reduced number of red blood cells, resulting in
decreased oxygen-carrying capacity. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and an
increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Folic Acid Deficiency: Folic acid (a type of B vitamin) is essential for the
development of the neural tube in the early stages of pregnancy. Inadequate
folic acid intake is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects,
such as spina bifida, in the developing fetus.

Calcium Deficiency: Calcium is essential for the development of the baby's

bones and teeth. A deficiency in calcium during pregnancy may lead to
maternal bone loss and increase the risk of conditions like preeclampsia.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium and

the development of the baby's bones and teeth. Inadequate vitamin D levels
may be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes,
and preterm birth.
Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones,
which play a key role in the development of the baby's brain and nervous
system. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to intellectual
disabilities in the baby.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA

(docosahexaenoic acid), are important for the development of the baby's brain
and eyes. A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with cognitive
and visual impairments in the baby.

Protein Deficiency: Inadequate protein intake may lead to poor fetal growth,
low birth weight, and an increased risk of preterm birth.

Symptoms
 Extreme fatigue
 Weakness
 Pale skin
 Shortness of breath
 Dizziness
 Brittle nails
Excessive Intake of Vitamins Nutrients
While proper nutrition is essential during pregnancy, excessive intake of
certain nutrients can also pose risks to both the mother and the developing
fetus. Here are some potential conditions associated with taking too much of
certain nutrients during pregnancy.

Vitamin A Toxicity: Excessive intake of vitamin A, particularly in the form of

retinol, can lead to vitamin A toxicity. This can cause birth defects, especially
affecting the development of the baby's central nervous system and facial
features.

Vitamin D Toxicity: While vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone
health, excessive vitamin D intake can lead to toxicity. This may result in
hypercalcemia (elevated levels of calcium in the blood), which can affect the
developing fetus and cause complications.

Iron Overload: Taking iron supplements in excess of the recommended

amounts can lead to iron overload, a condition known as hemochromatosis.
Iron toxicity can cause damage to organs and tissues and may be harmful to
both the mother and the baby.

Calcium Excess: While calcium is important for bone development, excessive

calcium intake can lead to hypercalcemia, which may contribute to kidney
stones and other complications.

Iodine Excess: While iodine deficiency can be detrimental, excessive iodine

intake during pregnancy may also pose risks. High levels of iodine can interfere
with thyroid function and may have adverse effects on the developing baby's
thyroid.
High Mercury Intake: Consuming excessive amounts of mercury-containing
fish can lead to mercury toxicity, which can be harmful to the developing
nervous system of the fetus.

Excessive Caffeine Intake: While not a nutrient, high caffeine intake should be
mentioned. Too much caffeine during pregnancy has been associated with an
increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.
 Conclusion
In conclusion maternal nutrition plays a critical role in the outcomes of
pregnancy. Nutritional requirements increase during pregnancy in order to
meet the needs of changes in the mother and the growing fetus .
 Reference
Myles textbook for Midwives (Fifteenth Edition) Edited by: Diane M. Fraser,
Margaret A. Cooper Foreword by: Jill Crawford

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