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Healthy eating during pregnancy is critical to the baby's growth and development - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2021
Question 2
Healthy eating during pregnancy is critical to the baby's growth and development. (a) Discuss four dietary requirements of pregnant women. (b) Having regard to cur... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Healthy eating during pregnancy is critical to the baby's growth and development - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2021
Step 1
Discuss four dietary requirements of pregnant women.
Answer
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Protein: Essential for the development of new cells and tissues, protein is crucial for the growth of the fetus. It supports the formation of various organs, muscle tissues, and the placenta.
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Folic Acid: Important for preventing neural tube defects, folic acid is vital during the early stages of pregnancy. It helps in the formation of DNA and the development of the baby's brain and spinal cord.
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Calcium: Integral for building the baby's bones and teeth, calcium needs increase during pregnancy. It's necessary for the mother's skeletal health and helps prevent pregnancy-related complications.
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Iron: Pregnant women require increased amounts of iron to support the growing fetus and placenta. It helps in the increase of blood volume and prevents anemia by ensuring sufficient oxygen transport to both mother and baby.
Step 2
Having regard to current healthy eating guidelines, set out a menu (3 meals) for one day for a pregnant woman.
Answer
Breakfast
- Orange juice
- Porridge
- Pancakes with blueberry
- Tea/coffee/water
Lunch
- Vegetable soup with wholemeal bread
- Strawberry yoghurt
- Apple
- Glass of milk
Dinner
- Carrot and lentil soup with brown bread
- Fish fillet and broccoli bake with mashed potato
- Fresh fruit salad
- Glass of milk
Step 3
Explain how food labelling assist consumers when buying food.
Answer
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Nutritional Information: Food labels provide essential information about the nutritional content, including calories, fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. This helps consumers make informed choices based on their dietary needs.
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Ingredients Listing: Labels list all ingredients in descending order of quantity, allowing consumers to identify allergens or avoid certain ingredients, facilitating safer food choices.
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Quality Assurance: Certification marks on labels (like organic, non-GMO) indicate the product’s quality and adherence to specific standards, assuring consumers of their choices.