Question

Compare and contrast the nutritional needs and risks of young mothers vs. older mothers.

Be sure to include the following for both types of mothers in complete, well though out paragraphs for full credit:

• habits of each age group that might negatively or positively affect pregnancy
• nutritional needs for each age group during pregnancy
• risks of pregnancy in each age group

Answer 1

Compared to older adults, young mothers need more nutrient requirements due to a lack of nutritional intake. The young group have poor eating habits and concentrate more on junk foods and sweetened beverages. Older mothers included healthy diet but lack in physical activity and have sedentary lifestyles increases the complications of pregnancy. Older mothers should concentrate more on increased caloric needs, folic acid, iron, and calcium. Older adults need much calcium intake of at least 1200mg due to their age. Whereas young mothers should consume more amount of calories to get adequate weight gain during pregnancy and 400 mcg of folic acid, 27 milligrams of iron required per day. When considering about risks of pregnancy, older adults have a high risk of multiple pregnancies, gestational diabetes, eclampsia, chromosomal abnormalities, and complicated delivery. Teenage pregnancy has an increased risk of preterm babies, low birth weight babies, preeclampsia, and feeling of isolated. Compared to older mothers, young mothers should be supported with early prenatal care.