Adequate nutrition is essential during pregnancy for proper development of the fetus. Inadequate nutrition can lead to increased health risks for both the baby and the mother, thus it is important to understand what nutrients are necessary for the health of both, and why? Read the description of a critical nutrient needed during pregnancy and how it influences the growing fetus, then match it with the effect of inadequate intake.

a. Necessary for collagen synthesis, inadequate intake during pregnancy may result in preterm birth.

1. vitamin C
2. fat
3. zinc

b. Critical in DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, inadequate intakes during pregnancy may lead to fetal malformations.

1. vitamin C
2. fat
3. zinc

c. Critical for brain growth and eye development, inadequate intake during pregnancy may impair fetal brain development.

1. vitamin C
2. fat
3. zinc