Issues for Specific Groups

Dieting during pregnancy

In general, dieting (restricting energy intake) should be discouraged during pregnancy. Restricted maternal energy intakes have been associated with low gestational weight gain, poor fetal growth and development, low birthweight, and preterm delivery. Some studies also indicate an association with neural tube defects, miscarriage, and post-partum depression. Maternal ketosis may be related to cognitive problems, including mental retardation, for the developing fetus.

Instead, if women are overweight or obese prior to pregnancy they should be encouraged to eat healthy, increase moderate exercise to 30 minutes on most days, and maintain a slow steady weight gain.

ADD INTERACTIVE ELEMENT:

KNOWLEDGE CHECK

On which nutrients would you focus your counseling for a patient that follows a vegan or vegetarian diet?

Answer: Iron and zinc due to the increased needs for pregnancy. Patients that follow a strict vegan diet may need a reminder on the need for other micronutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D, however the needs are not increased for pregnancy so if their prepregnancy diets were sufficient there may be less concern of deficiency during pregnancy.
Adolescents may have poor nutrient status prior to pregnancy.

What is the overarching goal for supplementation and intake?

Answer: To ensure adequate intake to support adolescent growth and fetal growth while correcting any prior deficiencies.