Slide 2
Why focus on nutrition? There is evidence that deficiencies in certain nutrients can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes for the mother and newborn. Improving nutrition can reduce the complications in some circumstances, thereby contributing to improved quality of life. Examples of nutrients include: folate, iron, iodine and vitamin A.
Slide 3
The newborns in this study were small but healthy.
Slide 4
Calorie restriction will not restrict birth weight. High protein and energy has minimal effect on birth weight.
Slide 5
Folic acid can be found in foods such as spinach, parsley, broccoli, lettuce, lima beans, turnip greens, asparagus and beef liver.
Slide 6
Classifications of anemia were taken from the World Health Organization (WHO). December 2000. Essential Care Practice Guide: Pregnancy, Childbirth and Newborn Care. Draft.
Severe anemia is associated with a significantly increased risk of complications in pregnancy, specifically low birth weight newborns, premature birth, perinatal mortality, and increased maternal mortality and morbidity. This increase is due to low oxygen-carrying capacity for both fetus and mother.
Slide 8
Foods abundant in iron include: red meat (especially liver), poultry, fish, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, shellfish and dried fruit.
Absorption is improved if taken with foods containing vitamin C. Adult females should get 30 mg/day, especially if they are pregnant.
Slide 9
Some salts, bread and seafood have been supplemented with iodine. Iodine may be found in other locally available foods. The US recommended daily allowance is
150µg/day for adults, 175 µg/day for pregnant women and 200 µg/day for lactating women.
Slide 10
The maternal mortality study (West et al 1999) showed a reduction in maternal mortality related to pregnancy up to 12 weeks with vitamin A versus placebo and with beta-carotene versus
placebo.
Vitamin A, therefore, should be supplemented in areas where deficiency is endemic. Care must be taken not to give too much during pregnancy.
In Nepal, Vitamin A supplementation of 23,300 IU on a weekly basis to nearly 45,000 women of reproductive age over a 3.5 year period, decreased maternal mortality by 40%
(This dose delivers the equivalent of a liberal dietary allowance).
Not clear yet, studies with conflicting results.
Further Evaluation Needed:
Vitamin A can be found in foods such as carrots, eggs, fish oil, liver and broccoli. The recommended amount is 800 retinol equivalents/day for women age 17-50. If too much vitamin A is taken, toxicity can occur: fatty liver, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches and birth defects.
Slide 14
Foods abundant in calcium include: dairy products, dark green vegetables, nuts, grains and beans.
