Current state of knowledge about nutritional care of pregnant women

Authors

  • Luciana Barretto Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de Buenos Aires
  • María José Mackinnon Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de Buenos Aires
  • Mabel Susana Poy Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de Buenos Aires
  • Adriana Wiedemann Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de Buenos Aires
  • Laura Beatriz López Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de Buenos Aires

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14306/renhyd.18.4.113

Keywords:

Pregnancy, Nutritional status, Nutrition Support, Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena, Maternal nutrition, Prenatal Care

Abstract

Pregnancy involves a significant anabolic activity that leads to increased nutritional needs relative to the preconception period. This paper aims to review the current understanding of the energy needs of macro and micronutrients during pregnancy as well as guidelines to address common gastrointestinal disorders during pregnancy, the issue of pica and anthropometric assessment to ensure an optimum weight gain. With the exception of iron, most of the nutrients needed by the pregnancy can be provided by a complete and balanced diet. Currently the scientific evidence shows that routine supplementation with iron and folic acid during pregnancy is a practice that prevents iron deficiency anemia, neural tube disorders and preterm births. Intermittent iron supplementation can also be an appropriated intervention. If the diet does not guarantee and adequate support, iodine, vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplements should also be necessaries. The anthropometric assessment by the pattern of weight gain should be present at each prenatal care visit to prevent maternal and fetal complications. In situations where the mother’s weight cannot be assessed, arm muscle circumference is possible to make an overall assessment as it correlates with maternal weight gain alternative. Measurements of biceps, triceps and subscapular skinfolds are another alternative that is useful to evaluate the fatty deposits and their location, in a complementary way to gain weight.

Author Biography

Luciana Barretto, Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de Buenos Aires


 

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Published

2014-10-31

How to Cite

Barretto, L., Mackinnon, M. J., Poy, M. S., Wiedemann, A., & López, L. B. (2014). Current state of knowledge about nutritional care of pregnant women. Spanish Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 18(4), 226–237. https://doi.org/10.14306/renhyd.18.4.113