Question

After nutrition counseling, a woman, G3 P1101, proclaims that she certainly can't eat any strawberries during her pregnancy. Which of the following is the likely reason for this statement?

1) The woman is allergic to strawberries.
2) Strawberries have been shown to cause birth defects.
3) The woman believes in old wives' tales.
4) The premature baby died because the woman ate strawberries.

Answer 1

The woman might believe she can't eat strawberries due to an allergy or misconceptions. Scientifically, strawberries are safe during pregnancy unless an allergy is present, and maintaining a nutritious diet with adequate folate is essential.

Step-by-step explanation:

The likely reason the woman proclaims that she can't eat strawberries during her pregnancy is either that she is personally allergic to strawberries, or she may believe in old wives' tales regarding foods to avoid during pregnancy. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that strawberries cause birth defects. Instead, strawberries are generally considered healthy and safe to consume during pregnancy unless a known allergy exists.

It's crucial for expectant mothers to consume a balanced diet with essential nutrients, such as folate, which is recommended to prevent birth defects like neural tube defects and anemia. Pregnant women must avoid harmful substances and certain foods that might put the fetus at risk, such as soft cheeses, refrigerated cold cuts, smoked seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products which can carry the risk of Listeria infection.