Food & Nutrition

Arab Journal of Food & Nutrition
9. Assessment of the Nutritional Status of a Sample of Pregnant Women during
the Third Trimester and Its Relationship with Pregnancy Outcome (1993)
Muez Rida Mohammad Shalbak\ University of Jordan
Supervisor: Dr. Salma Tukan
Co-Supervisor: Dr. Hamed Takruri
This study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics in the Islamic
Hospital to assess the nutritional status of a sample of 80 healthy pregnant women at
30 ± 2 weeks of gestation. Maternal socioeconomic, health and obstetric history
information were collected. Dietary intake data were collected using a 24- hour food
recall, Serum zinc, copper and iron concentrations were determined at 30 ± 2 weeks
and 37 weeks or more of gestation.
Maternal mean age was 27.5 ± 5.7 years, whereas the mean prepregnancy weight
, height , and body mass index were 63.8 ± 10.0 kg, 161.4 ± 5.7cm and 24.5 ± 3.8
respectively . Maternal total weight gain and rate of weight gain during the third
trimester were 13.1 ± 2.5 kg and 0.44±0.11 kg/wk respectively.
Various health complications were reported by 20% of the sample during their
previous pregnancies and by 19% during the present gestation. Varicose Veins and
hypertension were the most common problems. In this study, hypertension was
associated with low energy intake, and subsequently with birthweight. Prematurity,
low birthweight, still-birth and congenital malformations during previous pregnancies
were common, and abortions were reported by 33% of the subjects.
Maternal mean intake of energy, protein and vitamin A were adequate i.e 77% of
recommended dietary allowances; whereas mean dietary intake of calcium, iron and
zinc were inadequate.
Maternal mean serum zinc, copper and iron concentrations at 30 ± 2 weeks of
gestation were 78.4±13.6, 255.3±55.0 and 87.0±16.9 g/dl respectively, whereas their
concentrations at 37 weeks were 60.7±11.8, 251.3±43.3 and 75.5±10.1 g/dl
respectively. Dietary iron supplements were significantly associated with serum iron
(r=0.25, P