Maternal nutrition in early pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Maternal Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Nutritional requirements increase during pregnancy to support fetal development and maternal health.
• Previous guidelines (DHSS, 1969) established recommended daily intakes for non-pregnant women and pregnant women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the mean daily nutrient intakes of women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• To compare these intakes against recommended dietary allowances for both non-pregnant and pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• Weighed dietary records were used to assess nutrient intake in 195 pregnant women.
• Intakes were compared with recommended levels from the Department of Health and Social Security (1969).

Main Results:

• Over two-thirds of women had insufficient energy, iron, and cholecalciferol compared to non-pregnant recommendations.
• All women had insufficient cholecalciferol, and over 80% had inadequate energy and iron during the second trimester.
• Low nutrient intakes correlated with lower social classes, maternal age under 20, smoking, and frequent vomiting.

Conclusions:

• First-trimester pregnant women frequently exhibit inadequate intake of key nutrients like energy, iron, and vitamin D.
• Specific demographic and lifestyle factors are associated with increased risk of poor nutrition during pregnancy.