Which approach would you recommend to Catarina during her pregnancy?
A. Catarina should maintain a healthy diet and appropriate exercise regimen, and she should avoid unnecessary exposure to environmental contaminants. She should also keep taking her current antidepressants.
Think about the factors that influenced your recommendation for Catarina. Why did you choose the option that you did? Include these issues in your response:
- What are the critical periods in the development process of an embryo and fetus? When do they occur and how might they be disrupted?
- Which aspects of diet and exercise do you think are most critical during pregnancy?
- What are the effects of alcohol, cigarette smoke, or e-cigarette vapors on a developing fetus?
- What are the risks and benefits of Catarina remaining on antidepressants during her pregnancy, both for Catarina and for her baby?