Introduction

Nutrition status plays an important role in birth outcomes and maternal and infant health. Intakes of specific nutrients, for example iron and folate, affect pregnancy outcome (e.g., birthweight, maternal and infant anemia, maternal hypertension). Energy intake, and thus, the amount of weight a woman gains during pregnancy has a direct effect on pregnancy outcome (for example, low gestational weight gain can increase the risk of having an infant with a low birth weight) and on the long-term health of the mother (for example, excessive weight gain can increase the risk of obesity in the mother).

Especially for weight gain, there is wide variation in the “normal” range, and the nutrition assessment should include an evaluation of factors that are specific to the individual.

This module reviews some of the roles that food and nutrition status play in typical pregnancies, and highlights a few specific factors that can affect nutrient needs.

You may also download a printable version of this module.
Documents posted in pdf version will be made available in an alternative format on request to users who are unable to download or view pdf files on the Web. To request an alternative format, contact pwdlearn@u.washington.edu

Estimated time to complete this module: 60 minutes.

Learning objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Describe basic nutrient needs during normal pregnancy
• Identify general risk factors during pregnancy and describe the potential complications and nutritional implications associated with each