Patty is a first-time mother who is newly pregnant. She and her husband, Sal, are excited about their new baby on the way. Patty is a small-framed woman who, based on her doctor's BMI charts, is categorized as "underweight." Patty is also an elite swimmer and runner. She has been working out for the majority of her adult life. Patty and Sal are both very aware of the importance of good nutrition and the role it plays in health and quality of life. However, they are both unsure of nutrition recommendations for pregnancy and want to provide the best nutrition possible for the new baby.
1. How much weight should Patty plan to gain during her pregnancy?
2. What specific nutrient is of particular importance pre-pregnancy and in the early stages of fetal development?
3. What should Patty do for exercise during her pregnancy?
4. Patty and Sal both follow a very healthy eating plan. Regardless of their good nutrition, what specific nutrient might Patty need to supplement during the second and third trimester?
5. Patty and Sal would like to maximize their baby's mental development. Which nutrients would best support that?
6. Patty is a coffee drinker and enjoys having two cups of coffee every morning. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, what should she do about her coffee drinking?
7. Patty typically drinks a glass of red wine with dinner. Now that she is pregnant, she knows that she should not drink alcohol. Patty's best friend, Betsy, said that it is fine to drink alcohol during the third trimester of pregnancy and encourages Patty to have her wine when that time comes to help her relax. What should Patty do and why?
8. After Patty and Sal's baby is born, how should they plan to feed the baby during the first year of life?
