1.
When are energy needs highest during pregnancy?
Correct Answer
E. 2nd & 3rd trimesters
2nd & 3rd trimesters
Explanation
During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, energy needs are highest. This is because during this time, the baby is growing rapidly and the mother's body is undergoing significant changes to support the baby's development. The increased energy needs are necessary to provide nutrients and fuel for both the mother and the growing fetus.
2.
What is the current Australian recommendation for energy intake during pregnancy?
Correct Answer
B. Additional 1400 - 1900 kJ/day in 2nd and 3rd trimester
Explanation
The current Australian recommendation for energy intake during pregnancy is to consume an additional 1400 - 1900 kJ/day in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. This is because the body requires extra energy to support the growth and development of the fetus during these stages.
3.
Pregnant women do NOT have increased nutritional requirements for which of the following nutrients?
Correct Answer
C. Vitamin A
Explanation
During pregnancy, women have increased nutritional requirements for various nutrients to support the growth and development of the fetus. However, vitamin A is not one of them. In fact, excessive intake of vitamin A during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing baby. Therefore, pregnant women do not have increased nutritional requirements for vitamin A.
4.
The optimal pattern of weight gain during pregnancy, for women of ideal pre-pregnancy weight is thought to be:
Correct Answer
D. 1 - 2 kg in the 1st trimester, 0.4 kg/week for 2nd and 3rd trimesters
Explanation
The optimal pattern of weight gain during pregnancy for women of ideal pre-pregnancy weight is to gain 1-2 kg in the 1st trimester and then continue to gain at a rate of 0.4 kg per week for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. This pattern ensures that the woman is gaining enough weight to support the growth and development of the fetus, while also minimizing the risk of excessive weight gain, which can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
5.
Morning sickness, a common complaint during the 1st trimester, can greatly reduce a woman's ability to meet her nutritional requirements during pregnancy. Which of the following is most readily tolerated by women experiencing morning sickness?
Correct Answer
B. Small, frequent meals of easily digested food
Explanation
Women experiencing morning sickness often have difficulty keeping down large meals or foods that are heavy or difficult to digest. Small, frequent meals of easily digested food are more likely to be tolerated and provide the necessary nutrients for the woman and her growing baby. This approach helps to ensure that the woman is able to meet her nutritional requirements despite the challenges of morning sickness.
6.
Women consuming a strict vegetarian/vegan diet may produce breast milk which is deficient in:
Correct Answer
A. Vitamin B12
Explanation
A strict vegetarian/vegan diet excludes animal products, which are the primary source of vitamin B12. Therefore, women consuming this type of diet may not obtain enough vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency in their breast milk. Vitamin B12 is essential for the development of the nervous system in infants, so a deficiency can have negative effects on their growth and development.
7.
Which of the following does NOT appear to affect breast milk volume?
Correct Answer
C. Regular, moderate aerobic exercise
Explanation
Regular, moderate aerobic exercise does not appear to affect breast milk volume. While factors such as an energy restricted diet, smoking, emotions (such as anxiety, stress, and embarrassment), and poor maternal nutritional status can have an impact on breast milk volume, regular, moderate aerobic exercise does not seem to have the same effect. It is important for breastfeeding mothers to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, but exercise within moderation should not significantly affect breast milk production.
8.
Energy restriction to lose weight during lactation is not advisable as:
Correct Answer
D. Reduction in milk volume and failure of lactation may occur
Explanation
Energy restriction during lactation can lead to a reduction in milk volume and even failure of lactation. This is because when the body does not receive enough energy through food, it starts to conserve energy by reducing the production of breast milk. This can result in a decrease in milk volume, making it difficult for the baby to get enough nourishment. In severe cases, lactation may completely stop. It is important to ensure an adequate energy intake during lactation to support the production of breast milk and meet the nutritional needs of both the mother and the baby.
9.
The composition of breast milk is affected by:
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
The composition of breast milk is affected by various factors including the time of the day, stage of the feed, maternal diet, and nutritional status of the mother. The time of the day can influence the levels of certain components in breast milk, such as hormones and fats. The stage of the feed refers to whether it is the foremilk or hindmilk, which have different nutrient compositions. Maternal diet plays a role in providing essential nutrients and flavors to breast milk. Lastly, the nutritional status of the mother can impact the overall quality and quantity of nutrients in breast milk. Therefore, all of the above factors can affect the composition of breast milk.
10.
Compared to an average Australian adult female, mothers have increased requirements during lactation for:
Correct Answer
A. Energy, calcium and vitamin C
Explanation
Mothers have increased requirements during lactation for energy, calcium, and vitamin C. Lactation requires extra energy to produce breast milk, and calcium is needed for the development and maintenance of strong bones in both the mother and the baby. Vitamin C is important for the immune system and helps in the absorption of iron. Therefore, these three nutrients are essential for lactating mothers.