CMA Nutrition & Wellness in Pregnancy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The recommended total weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5–24.9) is:
- 10–15 lbs
- 15–20 lbs
- 25–35 lbs (Correct answer)
- 35–45 lbs
Correct answer: 25–35 lbs
The Institute of Medicine recommends a total weight gain of 25–35 lbs for women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI.
Question 2: Which nutrient deficiency during pregnancy is most associated with neural tube defects such as spina bifida?
- Iron
- Calcium
- Folic acid (Correct answer)
- Vitamin D
Correct answer: Folic acid
Inadequate folic acid (folate/vitamin B9) during early neural tube formation (weeks 3–4) significantly increases the risk of neural tube defects.
Question 3: Pregnant women should avoid which type of fish due to high mercury content?
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish (Correct answer)
- Tilapia
Correct answer: Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish
The FDA advises pregnant women to avoid high-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, bigeye tuna) due to risk of fetal neurological damage.
Question 4: Gestational diabetes is best managed with which primary intervention?
- Immediate insulin therapy for all patients
- Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) as first-line treatment (Correct answer)
- Complete carbohydrate elimination
- High-protein fasting diet
Correct answer: Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) as first-line treatment
Medical nutrition therapy — controlling carbohydrate intake, meal timing, and food choices — is the cornerstone first-line treatment for gestational diabetes.
Question 5: Daily calcium requirements increase during pregnancy to approximately:
- 800 mg/day
- 1000 mg/day (Correct answer)
- 1200 mg/day
- 1500 mg/day
Correct answer: 1000 mg/day
Pregnant women need approximately 1000 mg of calcium daily to support fetal bone and teeth development without depleting maternal bone density.
Question 6: Which food is NOT recommended during pregnancy due to risk of Listeria infection?
- Pasteurized yogurt
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk (e.g., Brie, queso fresco) (Correct answer)
- Fully cooked chicken
Correct answer: Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk (e.g., Brie, queso fresco)
Unpasteurized soft cheeses can harbor Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe neonatal infection.
CMA Nutrition & Wellness in Pregnancy 1
The recommended total weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5–24.9) is: