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Nutrition During Gestation definitions

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  • Gestation

    The period from conception to birth marked by fetal development and increased maternal nutrient needs.
  • Body Mass Index

    A measure used to assess pre-pregnancy weight status and guide recommended weight gain during pregnancy.
  • Folic Acid

    A B vitamin essential for preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly in the fetus.
  • Iron

    A mineral required in higher amounts during pregnancy to support increased red blood cell production and prevent anemia.
  • Zinc

    A trace element important for protein synthesis and enzyme function, with increased needs during pregnancy.
  • Calcium

    A mineral crucial for maintaining bone density, with absorption enhanced during pregnancy despite unchanged intake recommendations.
  • Vitamin D

    A fat-soluble nutrient that aids calcium absorption, with stable requirements during pregnancy due to increased efficiency.
  • Hydration

    The increased fluid intake needed during pregnancy, rising to about 3 liters daily to support maternal and fetal health.
  • Morning Sickness

    A common symptom in early pregnancy involving nausea and vomiting, often occurring beyond just the morning hours.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux

    A condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, and is common in later pregnancy.
  • Cravings

    Strong desires for specific foods during pregnancy, influenced by physiological and possibly hormonal changes.
  • Aversions

    Strong repulsions to certain foods or smells during pregnancy, potentially affecting dietary choices.
  • Pica

    A condition in pregnancy characterized by cravings for non-food substances such as clay or dirt.
  • Trimester

    One of three distinct stages of pregnancy, each with unique nutritional and developmental characteristics.
  • Critical Period

    A phase in early pregnancy when the embryo is most susceptible to teratogens and major developmental changes occur.