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Evaluation of prenatal nutrition counseling: maternal nutrition status and infant birthweight.

A prospective study on the effect of prenatal nutrition counseling on maternal nutrition status and infant birthweight was conducted at an antenatal care clinic by comparing a group of 80 women who attended nutrition counseling sessions with another group of 63 women who did not participate in nutrition counseling (controls). The daily intake of protein, calcium, iron, retinol, and riboflavin in the counseled group was higher than that in the control group. Moreover, the daily intake of nutrients of the counseled women met the recommended dietary allowance. Blood constituent determinations revealed that the levels of serum total protein, albumin, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, copper, magnesium, and hemoglobin in the blood of mothers and in umbilical blood at delivery were higher in the counseled group than in the control group (P less than 0.01). The women receiving counseling had fewer low-birthweight infants (1.52% vs 2.70%) and the incidence of maternal anemia was 39.1% against 55.6%, a significant difference (P less than 0.01).

Anemia↗

Placental growth, development, and function in relation to maternal nutrition.

Maternal malnutrition in humans and also in the rat interferes with normal placental growth as reflected by a lower weight, smaller placental size, and reduced DNA content. The affected placentas also have a reduced peripheral villous mass and villous surface. Biochemical studies have revealed a reduced polysome/monosome ratio and higher levels of alkaline ribonuclease activity. However, the rate of protein synthesis in a cell free system, expressed per milligram of rRNA, is not impaired. The composition of the placenta is also altered by malnutrition. Reduced concentrations of ash, hydroxyproline, and fat have been described in human placentas and reduced glycogen and putrescine concentrations have been described in the rat placenta. The functional implications of some of these changes are still unclear. In malnourished women a reduced estriol and pregnanediol excretion have been reported. Malnourished rats near term have a reduced maternal-fetal transfer of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid and glucose, but is is still unclear to what extent the reduced transfer is due to placental factors or preplacental factors such as reduced placental blood flow, also present in malnourished animals.

Animals↗

Effects of maternal nutritional status and maternal energy supplementation on length of postpartum amenorrhea among Guatemalan women.

To investigate the extent to which better maternal nutrition leads to reduction in length of postpartum amenorrhea, multivariate-logistic and linear-regression analyses were applied to data on 339 mother-infant pairs from the longitudinal Guatemalan Four Village Study, 1969-1977. Maternal triceps skinfold thickness was negatively associated with length of amenorrhea when infant supplementation (a proxy for reduced suckling) was accounted for. However, its effect was small: amenorrhea was only 0.5 mo shorter among women at the 75th percentile than among those at the 25th, equivalent to less than even one additional child during the women's reproductive years. Maternal supplementation was not associated with length of amenorrhea when infant supplementation was controlled. This is in contrast to previous studies in which breast-feeding or infant supplementation was not controlled. These results suggest that infant, not maternal, supplementation influences length of postpartum amenorrhea, and that maternal nutritional status has minimal influence.

Amenorrhea↗

The effects of pregnancy and maternal nutrition on the maternal renin-angiotensin system in sheep.

Physiological changes occurring in the mother during pregnancy can determine the outcome of pregnancy in terms of birthweight and neonatal viability. Maternal adaptations include plasma volume expansion linked to enhanced activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The present study was designed to determine whether these changes occur very early in gestation, and the extent to which maternal nutrient restriction may compromise the maternal RAS. Using sheep, we have investigated the effects of pregnancy per se, maternal nutrient restriction and later restoration of maternal diet on maternal body weight, plasma volume and plasma renin concentration (PRC), and angiotensinogen (Aogen) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration. During the period of placental growth (i.e. 28-80 days gestation) ewes were fed either a nutrient-restricted (NR) diet or were well fed (WF). NR ewes consumed between 3.2 and 3.8 MJ day(-1) of metabolisable energy (ME) which is close to 60 % of requirements taking into account the ME required for both ewe maintenance and growth of the conceptus in order to produce a 4.5 kg lamb at term. WF ewes consumed 150 % of ME requirements. Restoration of maternal diet between 80 and 140 days gestation (i.e. fed to satiety and consuming between 8 and 10.9 MJ day(-1), which is close to 150 % of ME requirements) followed previous nutrient restriction. Between pre-conception and 28 days gestation, plasma volume increased in conjunction with a decline in PRC and Aogen concentration. During the period of nutrient restriction ewe body weight did not increase and plasma volume was lower in NR than WF ewes. During this time there was no effect of maternal nutrition on PRC; however, Aogen concentration was lower in the NR group. From 80 days gestation following the rise in food intake for previously NR ewes, greater increases in ewe body weight, plasma volume and PRC occurred up to term compared with ewes that were well fed throughout gestation. Plasma AVP concentration was not significantly affected by either maternal nutrition or gestational age. In conclusion, the stimulus of moderately severe maternal nutrient restriction evoked smaller rises in maternal weight, plasma volume and Aogen concentration than occurred in ewes that were well fed throughout gestation. Following the restoration of maternal diet after 80 days gestation, PRC gradually rose to peak at term. These adaptations in the maternal RAS during the critical period of placental growth may have long-term effects on fetal development.

Angiotensinogen↗

Bone mass in Indian children--relationships to maternal nutritional status and diet during pregnancy: the Pune Maternal Nutrition Study.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: Bone mass is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have highlighted associations between maternal nutritional status during pregnancy and bone mass in the offspring. We hypothesized that maternal calcium intakes and circulating micronutrients during pregnancy are related to bone mass in Indian children. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS/MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nutritional status was measured at 18 and 28 wk gestation in 797 pregnant rural Indian women. Measurements included anthropometry, dietary intakes (24-h recall and food frequency questionnaire), physical workload (questionnaire), and circulating micronutrients (red cell folate and plasma ferritin, vitamin B12, and vitamin C). Six years postnatally, total body and total spine bone mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the children (n = 698 of 762 live births) and both parents. RESULTS: Both parents' DXA measurements were positively correlated with the equivalent measurements in the children (P < 0.001 for all). The strength of these correlations was similar for fathers and mothers. Children of mothers who had a higher frequency of intake of calcium-rich foods during pregnancy (milk, milk products, pulses, non-vegetarian foods, green leafy vegetables, fruit) had higher total and spine bone mineral content and BMD, and children of mothers with higher folate status at 28 wk gestation had higher total and spine BMD, independent of parental size and DXA measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Modifiable maternal nutritional factors may influence bone health in the offspring. Fathers play a role in determining their child's bone mass, possibly through genetic mechanisms or through shared environment.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

The evidence linking maternal nutrition and prematurity.

Maternal nutrition may be one of the most important under-evaluated factors contributing to the contemporary rise in prematurity in the United States and other industrialized nations around the world. Slowed fetal growth has been repeatedly shown to be associated with preterm birth, in both singleton and twin pregnancies. Antecedents of impaired fetal growth include a wide variety of factors, including intergenerational effects, biological and social factors related to race and ethnicity, maternal pregravid weight and gestational weight gain, and iron and mineral status. An assessment of maternal nutritional status, including anthropometric factors, is an integral component of effective prenatal care, and may facilitate a reduction in prematurity.

Calcium↗

Childhood iron deficiency anemia, maternal nutritional knowledge, and maternal feeding practices in a high-risk population.

BACKGROUND: Despite the proven success of national efforts such as the Special Supplementary Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to curb childhood iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in the United States, aggregate programmatic data may not accurately represent the experience of particularly high risk groups, such as the children of adolescent mothers of low socio-economic status. METHODS: This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of childhood anemia and associated risk factors, at one urban teen health center serving primarily low-income adolescent mothers and their children. A total of 175 pediatric WIC charts were reviewed to abstract hemoglobin status and other data. Additionally, 81 mothers were interviewed with regard to their nutritional knowledge and feeding practices; these findings were compared with the measured hemoglobin (Hgb) of their children. RESULTS: A total of 34.9% of children in the study population were found to be anemic (Hgb </= 11. 2). Low childhood Hgb status was significantly correlated with racial identification, child age, maternal perception of feeding difficulty, and the presence of concurrent pediatric medical illness. Report of extensive nutritional discussion with a physician was correlated with normal Hgb levels. No differences in nutritional knowledge or feeding practices were detected between mothers of children with low iron status. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the risk of iron deficiency, even among children receiving WIC services, may be underestimated in certain "nutritionally very high risk" populations. Further study of interventions for IDA in children of young, low-income mothers is recommended.

Adolescent↗

Nutrition and the life cycle. 1: Maternal nutrition and pregnancy.

Babies who are smaller than average at birth are more likely to face health problems during their adult life. A major influence on the size of the baby is maternal nutrition. Maternal energy requirements are not greatly increased, but other nutrients have been shown to influence fetal wellbeing; these include folate, riboflavin and some polyunsaturated fatty acids. Other nutrients that may enhance fetal welfare are ascorbic acid, zinc, and magnesium, and there are probably many more. Nurses, midwives, and health visitors need to be aware of the nutritional needs of pregnant women, and of the need to assist women to meet these needs. This is the first in a series of articles reviewing nutritional needs to maintain health during progressive stages of the life-cycle. This article discusses issues surrounding nutrition in pregnancy. Subsequent articles will review nutritional needs in young children, school-age children, adults, and older adults.

Birth Weight↗

The mediating effect of maternal nutrition knowledge on the association between maternal schooling and child nutritional status in Lesotho.

The present study tested whether maternal nutrition knowledge was a mediating factor in the association between maternal schooling and child nutritional status, and whether the mechanism involved differed according to socioeconomic status. The data were collected in Lesotho on 921 mother-child pairs and included scores from a nutrition knowledge test, socioeconomic and demographic information, and the child's anthropometric data. A wealth factor derived from a factor analysis was used to stratify the sample into two socioeconomic groups. Two-stage least-squares estimation was used to test the mediating role of nutrition knowledge between maternal schooling and child weight-for-age. Results showed that both the importance of maternal schooling and the mechanism by which it affects the child's weight-for-age are contingent upon the family's socioeconomic status. While maternal schooling was positively associated with weight-for-age for both wealthier and poorer households, the size of the effect was much larger for the latter group. The effect of maternal schooling on weight-for-age was mediated by the mother's nutrition knowledge only among wealthier households. These results imply that, in Lesotho, nutrition education for mothers could contribute to improving children's growth, but only in households that have access to a minimum level of resources. For poorer households, nutrition education would not be sufficient.

Adult↗

Maternal nutrition in twin gestations: weight gain, cravings and aversions, and sources of nutrition advice.

BACKGROUND: Maternal nutrition has a strong influence on singleton and twin birthweight. This study evaluated the association between twin birthweight and maternal pregravid body mass index (BMI), weight gain, and cravings and aversions. Information was also obtained regarding sources of nutrition advice and advised versus actual weight gain. METHODS: This study is based on data from interviews with 928 mothers of twins. Univariate analysis included comparisons by source of nutritional advice, birthweight categories, and categories of cravings and aversions. Multiple logistic regression was used to formulate models for mean twin birthweights > 1,500 g and > 2,500 g. RESULTS: Mothers who received their nutrition advice from a registered dietitian had the highest weight gains and the lowest proportion of birthweights < 1,500 g. For mean twin birthweight > 2,500 g, the final model included prematurity, pregravid BMI, and weight gain; for birthweights > 1,500 g, the model additionally included maternal age and aversions. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal pregravid BMI and gestational weight gain were shown to be important factors influencing twin birthweight. Nutrition advice, particularly from a registered dietitian, may be vital in assuring adequate weight gain, and therefore better birthweights, for these high-risk pregnancies.

Birth Weight↗

Maternal nutritional knowledge and child nutritional status in the Volta region of Ghana.

The relationship between mother's nutritional knowledge, maternal education, and child nutritional status (weight-for-age) was the subject of investigation in this study. The data were collected in Ghana on 55 well nourished and 55 malnourished mother-child pairs. A questionnaire designed to collect data on mother's knowledge and practices related to child care and nutrition was administered to the mothers. Data on mother's demographic and socio-economic characteristics as well as child anthropometric data were also collected. A nutrition knowledge score was calculated based on mother's responses to the nutrition related items. Bivariate analysis gave significant associations between child nutritional status and the following variables: time of initiating of breastfeeding, mother's knowledge of importance of colostrum and whether colostrum was given to child, age of introduction of supplementary food, and mother's knowledge about causes of kwashiorkor. The two groups also showed significant differences in their nutrition knowledge scores. Maternal formal education, and marital status were also found to be associated with child nutritional status in bivariate analyses. Further analysis with logistic regression revealed that maternal nutrition knowledge was independently associated with nutritional status after the effects of other significant variables were controlled for. Maternal education on the other hand was not found to be independently associated with nutritional status. These results imply that mother's practical knowledge about nutrition may be more important than formal maternal education for child nutrition outcome.

Adult↗

Total parenteral nutrition for the treatment of severe hyperemesis gravidarum: maternal nutritional effects and fetal outcome.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a complication of pregnancy that can lead to severe maternal nutritional deprivation. Total parenteral nutrition has been used in pregnancy complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum. However, little has been done to study the nutritional aspects of hyperemesis or the maternal effects of total parenteral nutrition when given during the first trimester of pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the nutritional state of pregnancy complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum and the effects of total parenteral nutrition on maternal nutrition and fetal outcome when given during the first trimester of pregnancy. Using a standard method of indirect calorimetry, the basal metabolic expenditure and adjusted metabolic expenditure were determined, and appropriate calories were calculated for each patient. The patients were then started on total parenteral nutrition. Follow-up indirect calorimetry studies showed improved nutritional status, with return of anabolic parameters. The results of this study support the conclusion that total parenteral nutrition given during the first trimester is a safe and effective method of nutritional support.

Birth Weight↗

Priorities for research in maternal nutrition in the developing world.

Two aspects of maternal nutrition are highlighted - an adequate weight at birth and successful lactation-as the outcome of satisfactory maternal nutrition. The following priorities for research are considered: 1. Prepregnancy weights and heights related to birth weight, height, skull circumference and placental weight. 2. Practical implementation of national supplementary feeding of pregnant mothers. 3. Support networks in pregnancy and lactation through the health care system. 4. Study of hypogalactia. 5. Assessment of lactation performance. 6. Lactational amenorrhoea. 7. Training of primary health care workers to improve maternal nutrition.

Birth Weight↗

The assessment of maternal nutrition.

The assessment of maternal nutrition is a very important task that should become a more integral part of clinical obstetrical care. It is not simple but neither is it overly complex for the practical office or clinic setting or personnel. This is especially critical for the groups at nutritional risk. Normal pregnancy physiology complicates the interpretation of traditional physical and laboratory techniques and, therefore, must be thoroughly understood. The dietician and/or nutritionist should be involved where available. The physician and nursing component of maternity care must, however, be increasingly aware of and involved with assessment techniques if maternity patients are to achieve adequate nutrition in practical clinical terms.

Diet↗