A client is pregnant for the third time. In regard to her nutritional

A client is pregnant for the third time. In regard to her nutritional status, she should:

1. Limit her weight gain to a maximum of about 25 pounds
2. Approximately double her protein intake
3. Increase her vitamin A and milk product consumption
4. Increase her intake of folic acid

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Folic acid intake is particularly important for DNA synthesis and the growth of red blood cells. Inadequate intake may lead to fetal neural tube defects, anencephaly, or maternal megaloblastic anemia. It is now recommended that women planning future pregnancies discuss preconception folic acid supplements. The recommended weight gain for pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds for the woman of average weight. There is no need for the client to limit her weight gain to a maximum of 25 pounds on the basis of this being her third pregnancy. The client needs to increase her pro-tein intake to 60 g during pregnancy; she does not need to double it. (This is an increase of ap-proximately 20 g of protein.) Prenatal care usually includes vitamin and mineral supplementation to ensure daily intakes. The recommended intake of vitamin A does not increase over the non-pregnant state. Calcium intake increases from 800 mg to 1200 mg during pregnancy.