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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
During pregnancy, women have unique dietary needs to support both their health and the baby's development. Here are four key dietary requirements:
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Increased Caloric Intake: Pregnant women generally need an additional 300-500 calories per day. This is essential to support the growing fetus and maintain maternal health.
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Protein: Adequate protein is crucial for the development of the baby’s organs and tissues. Pregnant women should include protein-rich foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, and legumes in their diet.
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Micronutrients: Essential vitamins and minerals, especially folate, calcium, iron, and vitamins D and B12, are vital during pregnancy. Folate reduces the risk of neural tube defects, while calcium is crucial for bone health, and iron helps prevent anemia.
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Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is important to support increased blood volume and amniotic fluid. Pregnant women should aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily while moderating caffeine and avoiding alcohol.
Step 2
Having regard to current healthy eating guidelines, set out a menu (3 meals) for one day for a pregnant woman.
Answer
Here is a suggested menu:
Breakfast:
- Orange juice
- Porridge with added berries
- Pancakes with blueberry
- Tea/coffee/water
Lunch:
- Vegetable soup with wholemeal bread
- Strawberry yoghurt
- Apple
- Glass of milk/water
Dinner:
- Carrot and lentil soup with brown bread
- Grilled fish with broccoli baked with mashed potato
- Fresh fruit salad
- Glass of milk/water
Step 3
Explain how food labelling assist consumers when buying food.
Answer
Food labelling serves several important functions for consumers:
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Information Transparency: Labels provide critical information about the nutritional content of food items, including calories, fats, sugars, and vitamins, helping consumers make informed choices.
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Ingredient Awareness: Food labels list ingredients and highlight allergens, enabling consumers to avoid specific foods due to allergies or dietary restrictions.
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Regulatory Standards: Labelling may indicate compliance with regulatory standards, such as organic certification or non-GMO status, assisting consumers in selecting products that align with their values.
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Manufacturer Details: Labels include the manufacturer's name and contact information, which can be useful for consumers seeking more information or wishing to report issues.