Dietary Requirements for Pregnant Women †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Dietary Requirements for Pregnant Women. Answer: Introduction: Research evidences state that pregnant women, not consuming properfoods that meet their dietary requirements often face complications in their pregnancy (Healthed.govt.nz, 2018). According to Morton et al., (2014), data from New Zealand suggests that most pregnant women fail to adhere to the food intake guidelines that have been recommended by the Ministry of Health management. One of the oldest myths in this context that focused on eating for two is no longer followed (Healthed.govt.nz, 2018). Further reports from the Ministry of Health also suggested that pregnant women also fail to abstain from eating foods that are rich in salt or fat content (Radio New Zealand, 2018). One major way by which pregnant women can be encouraged to follow an appropriate diet is by restructuring the existing health education programmes that are related to pregnancy nutrition (Huberty et al., 2013). Involving primary health centres will help to formulate an appropriate plan of action in an effective manner. These education programmes will emphasise on antenatal nutritional requirements and will be successful in increasing the awareness of pregnant women on the food that must be consumed (Lucas, Charlton Yeatman, 2014). In addition, general practitioners, nurses and midwives will also help in formulating dietary plans that meet the nutritional requirements of the target popula tion (Arrish, Yeatman Williamson, 2014). Distribution of educational pamphlets or handouts that follow the recommendations proposed by the Ministry of Health will also enhance their awareness. Furthermore, nutritional counselling conducted by holistic nutritionists will also provide exhaustive information on the foods that should be avoided. Thus, the aforementioned steps will help pregnant women to adhere to the recommended guidelines for their nutrition. Reference Arrish, J., Yeatman, H., Williamson, M. (2014). Midwives and nutrition education during pregnancy management: A literature review.Women and Birth,27(1), 2-8. Healthed.govt.nz. (2018). Eating for Healthy Breastfeeding Women, Retrieved 8 April 2018, from https://www.healthed.govt.nz/system/files/resource-files/HE1806_Eating%20for%20healthy%20breastfeeding%20women_0.pdf Healthed.govt.nz. (2018). Eating for Healthy Pregnant Women, Retrieved 8 April 2018, from https://www.healthed.govt.nz/system/files/resource-files/HE1805_Eating%20for%20healthy%20pregnant%20women.pdf Huberty, J., Dinkel, D., Beets, M. W., Coleman, J. (2013). Describing the use of the internet for health, physical activity, and nutrition information in pregnant women.Maternal and child health journal,17(8), 1363-1372. Lucas, C., Charlton, K. E., Yeatman, H. (2014). Nutrition advice during pregnancy: do women receive it and can health professionals provide it?.Maternal and child health journal,18(10), 2465-2478. Morton, S. M., Grant, C. C., Wall, C. R., Carr, P. E. A., Bandara, D. K., Schmidt, J. M., ... Camargo, C. A. (2014). Adherence to nutritional guidelines in pregnancy: evidence from the Growing Up in New Zealand birth cohort study.Public health nutrition,17(9), 1919-1929. Radio New Zealand. (2018). Pregnancy food advice not followed, Retrieved 8 April 2018, from https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/242304/pregnancy-food-advice-not-followed