BIOLOGY · Stage 9 · Chapter 11: Human Genetics and Development
Biology 11.6 Health of the mother, health of the child — Maternal Nutrition and Care — Alhussan International Academy - Biology (Stages 7-9) Revision Notes & Topical Questions
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Lesson summary
11.6 Health of the mother, health of the child — Maternal Nutrition and Care — Alhussan International Academy — Biology (Stages 7–9) notes: Explain how the diet, lifestyle, drugs and care of a pregnant woman affect the health of the developing baby.Dependence — for the nine month…
- Last three months
- Folic acid (a B vitamin)
- Calcium and vitamin D
- Recreational drugs
- Small babies
- Prevention
Section 1 of 6Why the mother's health matters
- Dependence
- for the nine months of pregnancy the developing baby depends on its mother.
- Nutrients pass from the mother to the fetus through the placenta.
- Whatever she eats, drinks and breathes affects the baby.
- Good care
- it gives the baby a healthy start, reduces the risk of miscarriage and premature birth and improves the mother's health.
- Last three months
- if the mother does not get enough food, the baby may be underweight and might not survive, and she may not make enough milk.
Section 2 of 6A healthy diet in pregnancy
- Balance
- the fetus needs a balance of nutrients for its tissues and organs to develop properly.
- Folic acid (a B vitamin)
- it greatly reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
- Supplements are advised before conception and in early pregnancy.
- Iron
- it is needed to make extra red blood cells for mother and fetus.
- Deficiency causes anaemia, tiredness and low birth weight.
- Calcium and vitamin D
- they build the baby's bones and teeth, and a mother short of calcium may lose it from her own bones.
- Protein
- it is needed for the growth of new tissue.
- Energy
- a pregnant woman needs only a small increase, around 200 to 300 kcal per day in the last stage, not eating for two.
Section 3 of 6Drugs and the placenta
- Drugs = substances that affect the way the body works by changing chemical reactions in cells.
- Medicines
- they make us feel better when ill and are thoroughly tested, but some may harm the fetus, especially in the first 12 weeks.
- Some drugs stop the arms and legs growing or damage the heart as it forms.
- Health workers must be told if a woman is pregnant, so that they give drugs that are safe for the fetus.
- Recreational drugs
- they are used for enjoyment, and caffeine and nicotine are legal examples.
- Cannabis, heroin and cocaine are illegal in most countries, and all these drugs cross the placenta.
- Caffeine
- babies of mothers who take in caffeine have a lower birth weight, and the more coffee she drinks the smaller the baby is likely to be.
- A single cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine.
- Addiction
- if a mother uses cocaine or heroin the baby may be born addicted.
- Small babies
- they are more likely to have health problems or die soon after birth.
Section 4 of 6Harmful substances to avoid
| Substance | Effect on fetus |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Fetal alcohol syndrome: poor growth, brain damage, learning difficulties |
| Nicotine and carbon monoxide | Less oxygen delivered; low birth weight; higher risk of premature birth |
| Some drugs | Birth defects; baby may be born addicted |
| Rubella virus | Heart, eye and ear damage; deafness |
- Prevention
- vaccination against rubella before pregnancy protects babies.
- Foods
- pregnant women should avoid foods that may carry harmful bacteria, such as undercooked meat.
Section 5 of 6Antenatal care and after birth
- Antenatal care = regular check-ups during pregnancy.
- Midwives and doctors measure blood pressure, test urine for protein or glucose, and check blood for anaemia.
- Ultrasound scans monitor the baby's growth and position.
- Problems are identified early and advice is given on diet, exercise and preparing for birth.
- Exercise
- mild exercise such as walking or swimming is helpful.
- Breast milk
- it gives the right balance of nutrients and antibodies that protect against infections.
- It can strengthen the bond between mother and baby.
- Where clean water is not available, bottle feeding can carry risks of disease.
Section 6 of 6Evaluating health advice
- Evidence
- advice is based on large studies comparing outcomes for babies of mothers with different habits.
- Reliable conclusions
- they need large samples, repeat studies and allowance for other factors such as income and age that also affect birth weight.
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