Fatemeh Shobeiri ¹, Khyrunnisa Begum ¹

Affiliations
1 Dept, of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore - 570 006, IN

Abstract

As pregnancy imposes a great metabolic strain, it is essential that mother leads healthy life throughout child bearing stage. Nutrition has a potentially important role in maternal health and mortality. Pregnant and lactating women have been recognized as vulnerable groups from the health and nutritional point of view requiring additional nutritional supports. It is well known that the nutritional status of mother prior to and during pregnancy has a strong impact on the reproductive performance and on the health of both mother and the child.

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Fatemeh Shobeiri ¹, Khyrunnisa Begum ²

Affiliations
1 Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, IR
2 Dept. of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore - 570 006, IN

Abstract

FAO/WHO/UNU recommended 1.2 MJ/d extra energy during pregnancy for women who maintained their pre pregnant level of activity. This amounts to 335 MJ for 40 weeks of gestation. This figure is reduced to 235 MJ (0.84 MJ/d) for those who reduce their physical activity below pre pregnant levels. These estimates are based on theoretical costs of protein and fat accumulation in the mother and fetus and for the maintenance of the new tissues. Several studies have shown that energy intake of pregnant women does not increase sufficiently to meet the theoretic needs.

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