Question 1

Which of the following fatty acids is uniquely critical to fetal neurologic and eye development?

Accepted Answer

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is uniquely critical to fetal neurologic and eye development. It is found in high levels in breast milk and has been added to some infant formulas. Stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid are important fatty acids, but do not play the same critical role in fetal development as DHA.

Question 2

The point at which the ovum becomes fertilized by the sperm is called:

Accepted Answer

Conception is when the ovum is fertilized by the sperm, resulting in the formation of a zygote. Implantation occurs when the zygote attaches to the wall of the uterus, parturition refers to giving birth, and gestation is the period of time during which the fetus develops in the uterus.

Question 3

A full-term pregnancy lasts about ________ weeks.

Accepted Answer

A full-term pregnancy lasts around 38-42 weeks. Any birth that occurs prior to 37 weeks is considered premature, while babies born after 42 weeks are considered post-term.

Question 4

At what point during pregnancy is adequate folate the MOST important?

Accepted Answer

Adequate folate is most important during the first four weeks of pregnancy because this is the time when the neural tube is forming and the risk of neural tube defects is highest. Folate helps in the proper development of the neural tube and the prevention of these defects. It is recommended that women of childbearing age take a daily supplement of 400-800 micrograms of folic acid, even if they are not planning to become pregnant, to ensure adequate folate levels.

Question 5

The recommended protein intake during the full 9 months of pregnancy is:

Accepted Answer

During pregnancy, the recommended protein intake is 1.1 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, to support the growth and development of the fetus and accommodate changes in the mother's body.

Question 6

A substance that causes a birth defect is called a:

Accepted Answer

A teratogen refers to any substance, organism, or physical agent that can cause a birth defect or abnormal development in a fetus. Examples of teratogens include alcohol, tobacco smoke, certain medications, and infectious agents. Parturition refers to the act of giving birth, blastocyst is the early stage of embryonic development, and neural tube defect is a specific type of birth defect affecting the spinal cord and brain.

Question 7

Inadequate intakes of ________ during pregnancy are associated with neural tube defects in the fetus.

Accepted Answer

Inadequate intake of folate during pregnancy has been shown to be associated with neural tube defects, which are birth defects that affect the brain, spine, and spinal cord. It is important to consume an adequate amount of this B-vitamin to support the formation of the neural tube in the developing fetus. Women who are planning to conceive or who are pregnant are often advised to take a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid to ensure adequate intake.

Question 8

A low-birth-weight infant will weigh:

Accepted Answer

A low-birth-weight infant is defined as weighing less than 5.5 pounds at birth. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Question 9

During the first trimester,women are advised to gain no more than:

Accepted Answer

During the first trimester, the baby is still growing and the mother's body is adapting to the changes caused by pregnancy. This is why it is recommended for women to gain only 3-5 pounds during the first trimester. Gaining too much weight during this early stage can increase the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. However, it's important for women to talk to their healthcare provider and follow their personalized recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy.

Question 10

During the first trimester it is generally recommended that pregnant women increase their daily Caloric intake by ________ kcal.

Accepted Answer

During the first trimester, it is generally recommended that pregnant women do not need to increase their daily caloric intake. The need for increased calories does not start until the second trimester.

Question 11

From the third month to term,the developing human is called a(n):

Accepted Answer

After the end of the second month, the developing human is called a fetus until birth. Therefore, the correct choice is A. Choice B (embryo) refers to the developing human from conception to the end of the second month. Choice C (zygote) refers to the fertilized egg for the first two weeks after conception. Choice D (blastocyst) refers to the early stage of development of the fertilized egg, before it implants in the uterus.

Question 12

At approximately day 15,when the implanted blastocyst differentiates into distinct layers of cells,the mass is called a(n):

Accepted Answer

At approximately day 15, the mass is called an embryo. The fetus stage occurs later in development, around 9 weeks after conception. The placenta also develops during this time, but it is not the correct answer because it is a separate structure that supports the embryo/fetus, rather than the mass itself. Infant is not the correct answer as it refers to a fully developed newborn, which occurs after birth.

Question 13

Women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI)________ have the lowest risk for a complicated pregnancy and delivery.

Accepted Answer

Women with a pre-pregnancy BMI between 19.8 and 26.0 have the lowest risk for a complicated pregnancy and delivery, as this range is considered to be within the healthy weight range according to most medical guidelines.

Question 14

A preterm infant is one who is born:

Accepted Answer

A preterm infant is defined as a baby born before 37 weeks' gestation. Option A is incorrect because babies weighing less than 5.5 lbs can be born at term (between 37 and 42 weeks' gestation). Option B is incorrect as well because the length of a baby is not commonly used to define prematurity. Option D is incorrect because the respiratory system continues to develop throughout pregnancy and after birth, so even full-term babies may have incomplete respiratory development.

Question 15

The embryo is most vulnerable to teratogens during which stage of pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The 1st trimester is the most vulnerable stage for the embryo as this is when the major organs and systems are forming. Exposure to teratogens during this stage can result in structural abnormalities or functional impairments that may have lifelong consequences for the developing fetus.

Question 16

How many pounds lighter can a woman expect to be immediately after birth?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after birth, a woman can expect to be about 10-20 pounds lighter. This weight loss includes the baby's weight, placenta, and amniotic fluid.

Question 17

An undernourished mother is MOST likely to give birth to:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that undernourished mothers are more likely to give birth to low-birth-weight infants due to inadequate fetal growth and development.

Question 18

During the second and third trimesters,the Caloric needs of a pregnant woman increase by about ________ kilocalories (kcal)per day.

Accepted Answer

During the second and third trimesters, the caloric needs of a pregnant woman increase by about 350-450 kilocalories (kcal) per day to support fetal growth and maternal metabolism and physical activity changes.

Question 19

To avoid ________ contamination during pregnancy,fish consumption should not exceed 12 oz.per week.

Accepted Answer

Consuming fish with high levels of mercury during pregnancy can lead to mercury contamination in the fetus, which can result in developmental delays and neurological abnormalities. The recommended maximum consumption is 12 oz per week to minimize the risk of mercury contamination. Lead, arsenic, and nitrogen do not pose the same level of risk to pregnant women and their fetuses as mercury does.

Question 20

Recommended weight gain during pregnancy is based on the mother's prepregnancy weight and:

Accepted Answer

The recommended weight gain during pregnancy varies depending on whether the pregnancy involves one or multiple fetuses (e.g., twins or triplets), as well as the mother's prepregnancy weight. This is because the nutritional needs and weight gain recommendations differ significantly between singleton and multiple pregnancies to support healthy fetal development and maternal health.

Quiz 20: Nutrition Through the Life Cycle: Pregnancy and the First Year of Life