Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/nutrition-pregnancy

Introduction

### Course Review: Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy #### Overview Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to expand your knowledge or an expectant parent wanting to ensure a healthy pregnancy, the Coursera course **Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy** is a comprehensive resource that will equip you with the latest research findings and international recommendations on nutrition-related aspects and outcomes of pregnancy. This course emphasizes that establishing a healthy nutritional status and lifestyle before and during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to support the healthy growth and development of the unborn child. #### Course Content The course offers a well-structured syllabus divided into four enlightening units that progressively build on each other: **Unit 1: A Healthy Pregnancy Starts Before Conception** This foundational unit highlights the importance of preparing for pregnancy well in advance. It delves into necessary nutrition and lifestyle changes aimed at optimizing maternal health before conception. One key takeaway is the significant role of maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) and achieving sufficient folate levels—essential factors in providing the unborn child with an optimal start. **Unit 2: Nutrition and Lifestyle for a Healthy Pregnancy** In the second unit, learners explore current nutrition-related recommendations tailored for pregnant women. This unit provides an in-depth understanding of the physiological and metabolic adaptations during pregnancy, which influence nutrient requirements. Additionally, it addresses the necessary macro- and micro-nutrient demands as they evolve with each trimester and underscores the importance of avoiding food-borne illnesses through dietary choices. **Unit 3: Nutrition-Related Pregnancy Outcomes** This unit tackles the pressing issues of obesity and gestational diabetes, both of which are prevalent nutrition-related complications in pregnancy. Participants will gain insights into the risk factors, potential outcomes, and evidence-based recommendations to help manage these complications effectively. This knowledge is essential not only for personal awareness but also for professionals tasked with counseling expecting mothers. **Unit 4: Practical Advice for a Healthy Pregnancy** The final unit synthesizes the course material by applying knowledge to real-life clinical scenarios. It answers common questions pregnant individuals and those contemplating pregnancy may have regarding nutrition and lifestyle. In this unit, experts provide science-based responses that healthcare professionals can incorporate into their routine interactions, ultimately leading to improved pregnancy care. #### Recommendations I highly recommend **Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy** for anyone involved in maternal health, including doctors, midwives, dietitians, and even expectant parents. The interactive elements and practical insights aimed at real-world application enhance the learning experience. The course is especially beneficial for healthcare professionals who desire to stay current with best practices, as it integrates the latest research into nutritional guidelines and recommendations. For parents, it offers invaluable guidance that fosters a proactive approach to nutrition before conception and throughout pregnancy. #### Conclusion In a world where misinformation can spread rapidly, this course serves as a beacon of reliable, evidence-based knowledge. By investing your time in **Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy**, you will not only enhance your understanding but also empower yourself to create a healthier environment for future generations. Whether you're looking to bolster your career or simply want to make informed decisions for your pregnancy, this Coursera course is a top-notch resource you won't want to miss!

Syllabus

Unit 1 - A Healthy Pregnancy Starts Before Conception

In this Unit we detail what nutrition and lifestyle changes should be considered and already implemented prior to conception and emphasis the important role that a healthy BMI and sufficient folate status play in providing the unborn child with the best start possible.

The learner will gain an insight into the current nutrition-related recommendations for healthy pregnancies. We will look at the maternal physiological and metabolic adaptions that occur during pregnancy and what these play in supporting pregnancy and altering nutrient requirements. We will then focus on the changing macro- and micro-nutrient requirements during pregnancy and what outcomes these can have on both the mother and unborn child. Finally, we will focus on food-bourne illnesses and what foods and beverages or lifestyle activities to avoid during pregnancy.

The focus of this unit is the two most common nutrition-related pregnancy complications: obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus. Based on the latest scientific findings the learner will gain an in-depth knowledge of the risk factors, outcomes and recommendations associated with these pregnancy complications to better manage and counsel pregnant women and improve infant outcomes.

Learners will apply the knowledge gained in the previous lessons to real-life clinical scenarios. Pregnant women pose common questions related to nutrition and lifestyle during pregnancy and experts in the area of early nutrition offer comprehensive, scientific-based answers to aid healthcare professionals in their day-to-day interactions with pregnant women and those wishing to become pregnant.