b. Layette Contents. Table 9-1 shows items that are commonly found in a
layette.
Table 9-1. Typical items in a layette.
9-4.
PRINCIPLES OF PROPER NUTRITION
a. Good Nutrition. Good nutrition during pregnancy is essential for:
(1)
The well-being of the mother and the developing fetus.
(2)
Development of effective uterine musculature.
(3)
Development of breast tissue.
(4) Development of an adequate functioning placenta. Poorly nourished
mothers have placentas with fewer and smaller cells. Also, poorly developed placentas
have a reduced ability to synthesize substances needed by the fetus, to facilitate the
flow of needed nutrients, and to inhibit passage of potentially harmful substances.
(5) Development of infant's weight, length, bones, and brain. A nutritionally
deprived fetus may have decreased development of brain cells. If optimum nutrition is
provided after birth, the effects on the brain may be reversible.
(6)
Continued development of the infant after birth.
b. Chronic Malnutrition. This has been shown to be related to reproduction
problems (this includes difficulties during pregnancy, labor, and delivery), increased
perinatal mortality, low birth weight, and other problems with the newborn.
MD0921
9-4