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ADA Report
Position of the American Dietetic Association: Nutrition and Lifestyle for a Healthy Pregnancy Outcome

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Abstract

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that women of child-bearing ages should maintain good nutritional status through a lifestyle that optimizes maternal health and reduces the risk of birth defects, suboptimal fetal growth and development, and chronic health problems in their children. The key components of a health-promoting lifestyle during pregnancy include appropriate weight gain; appropriate physical activity; consumption of a variety of foods in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005; appropriate and timely vitamin and mineral supplementation; avoidance of alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances; and safe food handling. Pregnant women with inappropriate weight gain, hyperemesis, poor dietary patterns, phenylketonuria, certain chronic health problems, or a history of substance abuse should be referred to a registered dietitian for medical nutrition therapy. Prenatal weight gain within the Institute of Medicine recommended ranges has been associated with better pregnancy outcomes. Most pregnant women need 2,200 to 2,900 kcal a day, but prepregnancy body mass index, rate of weight gain, maternal age, and appetite must be considered when tailoring this recommendation to the individual. The consumption of more food to meet energy needs, and the increased absorption and efficiency of nutrient utilization that occurs in pregnancy, are generally adequate to meet the needs for most nutrients. However, vitamin and mineral supplementation is appropriate for some nutrients and situations. This position paper also includes recommendations pertaining to use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and illicit drugs.

Section snippets

Position Statement

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that women of child-bearing age should maintain good nutritional status through a lifestyle that optimizes maternal health and reduces the risk of birth defects, suboptimal fetal development, and chronic health problems in their children. The key components of a health-promoting lifestyle during pregnancy include appropriate weight gain; appropriate physical activity; consumption of a variety of foods in accordance with the Dietary

Environment Dictating a Need for Position

Pregnancy is a critical period during which good maternal nutrition is a key factor influencing the health of both mother and child. Risk of complications during pregnancy or delivery is lowest when prenatal weight gain is adequate (1, 2). Maternal weight gain during pregnancy influences infant birth weight and health, and outcomes vary depending on the mother’s prepregnancy nutritional status (3, 4). In long-term follow-up studies of the Dutch famine in World War II, undernutrition during

Position Objectives

To optimize the health outcomes of both mother and child, women of childbearing age should begin pregnancy in good nutritional status. Thus, advice needs to reach women before they become pregnant, as well as during prenatal and postpartum care. This position paper has the following objectives:

  • to inform health professionals and others who work with women of childbearing age, on the need for a healthful diet and lifestyle;

  • to emphasize the key components of a health-promoting lifestyle during

A. Optimizing Outcomes through Good Nutrition and Health before Pregnancy

Women need to attain good nutritional status before, during, and after pregnancy to optimize maternal health and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, birth defects, and chronic disease in their children in later adulthood. Food and nutrition professionals should know recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that pertain to optimizing nutrition and health before pregnancy. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommend

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