LB2882MaternalNutriti+ - Mead Johnson Nutrition

Research indicates that the risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome associated with moderate-intensity physical
activity, such as brisk walking, is very low for healthy pregnant women. 23 Physical activity can be benefi cial in
controlling blood glucose levels and promoting weight gain within target ranges. Women with uncomplicated
pregnancies should participate in at least 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a
week which may be divided up into fi ve, 30-minute walks per week or into bouts of 10-minutes of physical activity
at a time. 3,23-25 Most women with uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries can begin exercising a few weeks
after delivery; others will need to wait longer. A gradual return to a pre-pregnancy level of physical activity is most
prudent, 26 especially for women who have cesarean deliveries and those on bed rest during pregnancy. Gradual
weight loss resulting from exercise and calorie restriction does not appear to compromise lactation performance. 27,28
Women should be counseled to avoid all alcohol during pregnancy since there is no known safe intake. 29,30 Research
studies linking caffeine intake to pregnancy complications are confl icting but it is prudent to limit intake of caffeine to
200 mg/day during pregnancy. 31-34 Methyl mercury, found in high levels in certain species of fi sh, is neurotoxic 35 and
women of childbearing age should avoid fi sh with high concentrations of methyl mercury. 36,37 Levels of neurotoxic
contaminants in fi sh vary widely among regions of the world. Therefore, it is important to check with national and
regional authorities for information on the levels of contaminants found in fi sh consumed in that region and for
recommendations on fi sh consumption. 35
Pregnant women are also more susceptible to foodborne illnesses and their effects. 38 Women in the childbearing
years should be educated about how best to handle and prepare food, and about which foods are particularly
risky due to possible contamination with micro-organisms including Taxoplasma gondii, Listeria monocytogenes,
Escherichia coli and salmonella.
Some conditions and complications associated with pregnancy, such as nausea and vomiting, and hypertensive
disease, may potentially benefi t from diet and lifestyle interventions. 3,39 In addition, women with gestational diabetes
will benefi t from glycemic control and should be counseled about a balanced diet that fosters normal blood glucose
and meets pregnancy nutrient needs. 40
There is no doubt about the strong connection between maternal health habits and fetal and infant well-being. Eating
a balanced diet, ensuring adequate micronutrient intakes, getting regular physical activity, and avoiding noxious
substances are increasingly regarded as strategies for achieving good pregnancy and lactation outcomes.
MATERNAL NUTRITION 4