The pregnant adolescent. A review of nutritional research and programs

Avialable nutritional research on pregnant adolescents shows that suboptimal food intake is common. Multiple social, psychologic, and economic problems may mitigate against attainment of adequate nutritional status. Use of supplements will raise the level of some nutrients, but in reported studies, their use by girls was erratic, and routine use is not favored by many practitioners. Results of nutritional counseling are mixed. Multidisciplinary programs, usually providing comprehensive prenatal care while enabling girls to continue their education, have been instituted in many areas, reflecting a changed attiude of school officials toward the pregnant adolescent. Most of these programs include the nutrition classes, counseling, or services valuable to mother and child; however, they do not reach all pregnant adolescents and are not a panacea guaranteeing adequate nutrition for them. More research and a national policy to provide optimal nutrition for all pregnant women, including the adolescent, are needed.