Nutrition management of adolescent pregnancy: technical support paper

A high proportion of pregnant teens are nutritionally at risk and require nutrition intervention early and throughout their pregnancies. Although questions remain about continued growth, nutrition needs, and the extent of biological immaturity as risk factors, it is certain that the psychosocial and economic risks to the pregnant woman are great at this time. The nutrition needs of the teen can best be met by consumption of foods with a high concentration and balance of nutrients. The recommended weight gain should be achieved and will relate to the maturational stage and the prepregnant height-for-weight proportion. As an integral part of health care programs for pregnant teenagers, the nutrition consultant must be skillful in establishing rapport and developing a relationship within which to counsel patients in the nutritional aspects of reproduction. Counseling should extend to the postpartum period to have a significant and lasting effect on the future of the parents and child.