Pregnancy brings major endocrine changes that support fetal growth and prepare the body for birth and lactation. Nutrition helps meet the changing needs of both the pregnant individual and fetus and can support management of complications.
The placenta produces human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone and supports immune changes that help protect the fetus. HCG also stimulates ovarian estrogen and progesterone production until the placenta is mature, around weeks 10–12; after that, the placenta produces these hormones.
All flashcards
What does HCG do early in pregnancy?
Placental HCG stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone and helps stimulate ovarian estrogen and progesterone production until the placenta matures.
Why does prolactin rise during pregnancy?
Prolactin supports breast tissue development in preparation for milk production after birth.
What is gestational diabetes?
Glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy, often related to pregnancy hormones increasing insulin resistance and the demands on pancreatic beta cells.
What does glycemic load account for beyond glycemic index?
The amount of carbohydrate in a food portion.
What is macrosomia?
A newborn being significantly larger than average for gestational age.
Quiz questions
How can elevated maternal blood glucose contribute to fetal macrosomia?Answer: Glucose crosses the placenta, prompting fetal insulin release and greater nutrient storage.
Around which gestational weeks does gestational diabetes often emerge?Answer: Weeks 24–28.
How can a child have obesity and still experience malnutrition?Answer: A nutrient-poor diet can provide excess calories but insufficient essential nutrients.
What is a useful way to evaluate nutrition advice encountered on social media?Answer: Check who created it, what evidence supports it, and whether it promotes a product.
Which age range is given for the usual start of puberty in females?Answer: Ages 8–13.
Based on Nutrition for Nurses by Emerald Charity Bilbrew, Jody Vogelzang, Kelli Whittington (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.