A nurse is teaching a client about foods to avoid during pregnancy.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make? (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A rationale

This statement is incorrect as caloric needs increase during pregnancy to support fetal growth, placental development, and increased maternal metabolic demands. Inadequate caloric intake can lead to poor fetal outcomes, including low birth weight and impaired development.

Choice B rationale

While caloric needs do increase, an additional 500 calories is generally too high for the average pregnancy. The recommended increase is typically lower, focusing on nutrient-dense foods to ensure sufficient energy for both mother and fetus.

Choice C rationale

Doubling caloric intake is excessive and can lead to excessive maternal weight gain, increasing risks for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and delivery complications. The concept of "eating for two" is a common misconception that often leads to overconsumption.

Choice D rationale

During the second and third trimesters, the average pregnant woman requires an additional 300 calories per day above her pre-pregnancy needs. This increase provides adequate energy for rapid fetal growth, development, and maternal physiological changes, such as increased blood volume and uterine expansion.

Choice A rationale

Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, aiming to stimulate energy flow and relieve pain. While it can promote relaxation and analgesia by releasing endorphins, its direct effect on significantly reducing blood pressure and respiratory rate in acute anxiety may be less pronounced compared to methods emphasizing controlled breathing techniques.

Choice B rationale

Effleurage is a light, stroking massage, typically applied to the abdomen during contractions. This technique can distract from pain and promote relaxation by stimulating large nerve fibers, thereby reducing pain perception. However, its primary physiological impact is generally on pain modulation and comfort, rather than a direct, strong reduction in elevated blood pressure and respiratory rate.

Choice C rationale

The Bradley method, also known as "husband-coached childbirth," emphasizes natural childbirth, focusing on deep abdominal breathing, relaxation, and partner support. While it promotes a calm environment and can reduce overall stress, its specific techniques for immediate physiological regulation of acutely elevated blood pressure and erratic respirations may not be as direct as methods specifically teaching controlled breathing.

Choice D rationale

The Lamaze method focuses on controlled breathing and relaxation techniques during labor. These techniques, particularly patterned breathing, directly influence the autonomic nervous system by increasing vagal tone, which can lead to a decrease in heart rate and respiratory rate, thereby lowering blood pressure and promoting a sense of calm during periods of anxiety.

Choice E rationale

Yoga incorporates physical postures, breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. While highly effective for long-term stress reduction and improving cardiovascular health, its immediate application in a laboring client experiencing acute anxiety with elevated vital signs might be less practical for immediate physiological regulation compared to targeted breathing methods like Lamaze.