The clinical content of preconception care: nutrition and dietary supplements

Women of child-bearing age should achieve and maintain good nutritional status prior to conception to help minimize health risks to both mothers and infants. Many women may not be aware of the importance of preconception nutrition and supplementation or have access to nutrition information. Health c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 2008-12, Vol.199 (6), p.S345-S356
Main Authors: Gardiner, Paula M., MD, MPH, Nelson, Lauren, Shellhaas, Cynthia S., MD, MPH, Dunlop, Anne L., MD, Long, Richard, MD, Andrist, Sara, MPH, RD, LD, Jack, Brian W., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Diet
Diet Surveys
Dietary Supplements
Female
folic acid
health risks
Humans
Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Nutritional Requirements
Nutritional Sciences
Nutritional Status
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Preconception Care
Pregnancy
pregnancy-related nutrition
reproductive-age women
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Summary:Women of child-bearing age should achieve and maintain good nutritional status prior to conception to help minimize health risks to both mothers and infants. Many women may not be aware of the importance of preconception nutrition and supplementation or have access to nutrition information. Health care providers should be knowledgeable about preconception/pregnancy-related nutrition and take the initiative to discuss this information during preconception counseling. Women of reproductive age should be counseled to consume a well-balanced diet including fruits and vegetables, iron and calcium-rich foods, and protein-containing foods as well as 400 μg of folic acid daily. More research is critically needed on the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements and the role of obesity in birth outcomes. Preconception counseling is the perfect opportunity for the health care provider to discuss a healthy eating guideline, dietary supplement intake, and maintaining a healthy weight status.
ISSN:0002-9378
1097-6868
DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2008.10.049