Nutrition and the life cycle. 1: Maternal nutrition and pregnancy

Babies who are smaller than average at birth are more likely to face health problems during their adult life. A major influence on the size of the baby is maternal nutrition. Maternal energy requirements are not greatly increased, but other nutrients have been shown to influence fetal wellbeing; these include folate, riboflavin and some polyunsaturated fatty acids. Other nutrients that may enhance fetal welfare are ascorbic acid, zinc, and magnesium, and there are probably many more. Nurses, midwives, and health visitors need to be aware of the nutritional needs of pregnant women, and of the need to assist women to meet these needs. This is the first in a series of articles reviewing nutritional needs to maintain health during progressive stages of the life-cycle. This article discusses issues surrounding nutrition in pregnancy. Subsequent articles will review nutritional needs in young children, school-age children, adults, and older adults.