Nutrition Quiz - Answers

1. False There is no need to cut out sugary or salty foods.  All foods can fit into a healthy diet.  Enjoy a sweet dessert or salty a snack, but remember to balance these foods with healthy choices.

2.True Over 3 cups of coffee a day increases your chance of miscarriage and having a low birth weight baby.  Small amounts of caffeine in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate is probably safe during pregnancy.

3. False Yogurt and cheese are also good sources of calcium in your diet.  You should eat three to four servings of milk products while you are pregnant.  If you do not like drinking milk, try yogurt and cheese, chocolate milk, fortified soy milk, or orange juice with calcium added.
 
4. True Research has found that your chance of your baby having a birth defect of the spine is much less when you consume a vitamin pill that contains 0.4 mg of folic acid everyday at the beginning of your pregnancy.

5. False The recommended weight gain for most healthy women is between 25 and 35 lbs (11-16 kg).  Some women may gain more or less than this amount.  If you are concerned, talk to your doctor or midwife.

6. True Your need for iron almost doubles when you are pregnant.  Iron is used to build healthy blood for you and your baby.  If you do not get enough iron, you may feel tired and weak.  Low iron can also affect your baby's growth.  Choose foods that are high in iron, such as meat, chicken, beans, and cereal.

 
7. False The baby usually makes up about 1/3 of the weight a woman gains.  The rest of the weight is made up from the breasts, the placenta, the uterus, the amniotic fluid, and the extra blood that the body produces.

8.True  Too much of a vitamin or mineral can cause harm to your body, and possibly your baby.  Do not try to make up for an unbalanced diet with more than the recommended amounts of vitamin supplements.

9. False You need some extra food while you are pregnant, but not twice as much.  You need to add only 100 calories a day during the first three months, and 300 calories a day after that.  An extra snack is usually enough.  Choose healthy foods, such as cheese and crackers, vegetables and dip, fruit, or a bean salad.

* From Healthy Eating For A Healthy Baby, published by Best Start and Nutrition Resource Center, 2002. 
Reference: The Nutrition For A Heathy Pregnancy Guide put out by Health Canada, 1999.