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Is it true salmonella can trigger a miscarriage? (RFM and RFF)

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Is it true salmonella can trigger a miscarriage? (RFM and RFF)

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Yes, unfortunately this is true. Along with the potential to trigger a miscarriage salmonella can cause; nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and headache in the mother. Foods that often contain salmonella (and should be avoided where possible) include; raw eggs and under-cooked meat/poultry/ fish. Additionally, hands should always be washed, food should be cooked thoroughly, stored at the right temperature and cross contamination of foods should be avoided.

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Why is iodine so important for my bab? (PFF)

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Why is iodine so important for my bab? (PFF)

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Iodine needed for the production of thyroid hormone which is important for optimal growth and development, especially in the nervous system and brain. A lack of iodine intake during pregnancy increases the risk of mental impairment and cretinism in your newborn child.

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https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-and-diet

https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/pregnancy-and-birth/a-healthy-pregnancy/food-nutrition-in-pregnancy/

http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/sites/default/files/Healthy%20Eating%20During%20Pregnancy.pdf

Jacaranda- Key Concepts in VCE Health and Human Development Units 1 &2 4th Edition 17a939a

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I don't like all the excess weight I'm putting on whilst pregnant, can I go on a diet? (RFM and RFF)

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I don't like all the excess weight I'm putting on whilst pregnant, can I go on a diet? (RFM and RFF)

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Pregnancy is not the time to diet and most of the excess weight put on during this time should disappear quickly once the baby is born. Dieting is not recommended during pregnancy and can cause serious problems in the health of you and your and baby. The foods you consume during pregnancy effect you and your baby, and an insufficient consumption of nutrients may lead to a low birth weight baby, delayed growth and lack of energy in the mother - leaving you feeling very tired.

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-Protective factor for foetal health (PFF)
-Protective factor for maternal health (PFM)
-Risk factor for foetal health (RFF)
-Risk factor for maternal health (RFM)

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Is it true you can't eat any sugar whilst you're pregnant? (RFM)

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Is it true you can't eat any sugar whilst you're pregnant? (RFM)

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No, don't worry you can still eat sugar however foods high in sugar (such as soft drinks, cakes and pastries) can increase blood glucose levels and contribute to gestational diabetes in the mother. This may mean the women is more susceptible to developing Type 2 Diabetes/Cardiovascular Diseases and has a high blood pressure. It can also effect the baby contributing to a high birth weight and jaundice. In saying that, eating a cupcake or some chocolate here and there is totally fine! It is just important to ensure you are consuming enough of the right nutrients and a wide variety of foods.

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I don't really like going out in the sun, but I've heard it's important during pregnancy? (PFF and PFM)

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I don't really like going out in the sun, but I've heard it's important during pregnancy? (PFF and PFM)

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Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D which is essential for the development of baby's bones and teeth as it works alongside calcium. Low levels of Vitamin D can cause muscle weakness and pain in the mother and lead to rickets/weak bones in the baby. Though the best and most common source of Vitamin D is sunlight there are small amounts in cheese, egg yolks and fatty fish.

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Can I still drink while I am pregnant? (RFF)

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Can I still drink while I am pregnant? (RFF)

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During pregnancy there is no safe level of alcohol hence all alcohol consumption is recommended against. Alcohol increases the risk of miscarriage, may effect the baby's intelligence, restricts blood supply and can contribute to Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) which can have negative effects on your child's health and development (such as restricted joint movement and underdeveloped facial features and low birth weight).

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Is a lack of iron a problem during pregnancy? (PFF and PFM) 

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Is a lack of iron a problem during pregnancy? (PFF and PFM) 

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A lack of iron during pregnancy can definitely be a problem and can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. This can in turn, increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Iron (found in foods such as spinach and red meat) is needed in greater amounts during pregnancy in order to produce more blood which is needed to meet the needs of placenta, growing baby and increasing demand for oxygen.

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I love soft serves, but I've been told I shouldn't eat them when I'm pregnant, is this true? (RFF)

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I love soft serves, but I've been told I shouldn't eat them when I'm pregnant, is this true? (RFF)

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Unfortunately, this is true and it is recommended that you don't. Listeria is a bacteria found in several foods (soft serves being one of them) and eating foods containing listeria can increase risk of miscarriage, still birth or premature labour. Soft cheeses (brie, camembert, ricotta), cold meats (ham, salami), raw fish and soft serve ice cream should all be avoided where possible.

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Why is calcium needed during pregnancy? (PFF and PFM) 

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Why is calcium needed during pregnancy? (PFF and PFM) 

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In your baby, calcium is needed for strengthening of bones and teeth, and this is especially important during the third trimester where a lot of this development takes place.
There is no need for pregnant women to significantly increase their calcium intake however the same amounts (as non-pregnant women) need to be consumed.
A lack of calcium means the baby will take calcium from its mother stores in her bones and this could increase the chance of osteoporosis later in life,(therefore to avoid this adequate amounts of calcium should be consumed).

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I've heard folate is important during pregnancy, why? (PFF)

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I've heard folate is important during pregnancy, why? (PFF)

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You are definitely right!
Folate is a B group vitamin that helps to protect against neural tube defects in the foetus such as Spina Bifida.
It is also needed for the formation of red blood cells, development of the nervous system and cell growth and development.
It is recommended that a folic acid supplement should be taken  before pregnancy and during the first three months of pregnancy, along with eating foods that are naturally rich in folic acid.

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Welcome to My Baby and I! This platform has been created to help inform expectant mothers about the optimal nutrition for prenatal development. We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions on nutrition during pregnancy, and got a team of leading experts in the field to answer them for you. Feel free to send through more of your questions as they arise :)