LB2882MaternalNutriti+ - Mead Johnson Nutrition

INTRODUCTION
A mother’s nutritional status, diet and lifestyle influence pregnancy and lactation outcomes and can have lasting
effects on her offspring’s health. For example, inadequate intakes of certain micronutrients during pregnancy,
such as folic acid and iodine, can contribute to birth defects and/or the inability of the child to develop to his or
her full cognitive potential. In addition, maternal overweight and obesity are increasing globally and present major
challenges for health care providers and their clients since overweight and obesity are associated with several
adverse pregnancy outcomes including birth defects, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and cesarean section. 41,42
Undernutrition and overconsumption during fetal life may also influence the infant’s cognition and future risk of
coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, obesity, and hypertension. 3,43-45 A mother’s consumption of potentially
harmful substances, such as alcohol, during pregnancy can also have irreversible negative consequences.
With the growing body of evidence indicating that a woman’s nutritional status and health-related behaviors both
prior to and during pregnancy influence pregnancy outcomes and the child’s future health, experts are placing more
emphasis on preconception and inter-pregnancy care. This includes screening for health risks that could affect the
outcome of a future pregnancy. Many of those risks, such as poorly-controlled diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and
a poor quality diet, are amenable to positive lifestyle changes. Women are encouraged to achieve and remain at a
healthy body weight prior to pregnancy. 3 They should also be counseled regarding the benefits of physical activity,
avoiding food faddism, consuming adequate folic acid and maintaining good control of medical conditions. 2 After
conception has occurred, a balanced diet that supports appropriate maternal weight gain and meets maternal and
fetal micronutrient needs contributes to creating a favorable intrauterine environment to support optimal pregnancy
outcomes. 5 Good nutrition continues to be important after birth since a diet with insufficient levels of critical nutrients
during lactation can deplete maternal stores and may lower nutrient levels in breast milk. Furthermore, breastfeeding
beyond 6 months, regular physical activity and a balanced diet with an appropriate amount of energy help hasten the
return to pre-pregnancy weight. 27
Many countries around the world have issued diet and nutrient intake recommendations for their populations,
including pregnant and lactating women, which are based on the countries’ food supply, food consumption patterns,
and specific nutrition-related issues. 22 Other countries have adopted recommendations (Dietary Reference Intakes
[DRI]) issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies in the United States or The World Health
Organization (WHO). This monograph reviews current nutrition recommendations for women during pregnancy and
lactation primarily from the renowned IOM and WHO. The goal in highlighting these nutrition recommendations is to
increase familiarity with nutrients and nutrition-related issues that can have an important impact during pregnancy,
lactation, and beyond.
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