Nutrition during pregnancy

Nutrition assessment and counseling are integral components of preconception and prenatal care. The average-size woman should gain between 11.25 and 15.75 kg (25 and 35 lb) during a normal pregnancy. Some factors identify the pregnant woman with a nutrition risk. Vitamin and mineral supplementation should be based on a dietary assessment. Common discomforts of pregnancy frequently can be managed with dietary modification and safe pharmacotherapeutics. The coordinated efforts of health care providers, registered dietitians, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program, local health departments and Cooperative Extension Service offices can provide appropriate nutrition assessment, education and intervention.