Nutrition during Pregnancy: Macronutrient and Specific Needs

Abstract

Pregnancy is characterized by significant metabolic changes aimed at providing the fetus a regular nutritional intake, adapted to its needs in all circumstances. The nutritional impact on the fetus is assessed by development and growth fetal and by its repercussions on fetal programming which conditions the occurrence of metabolic diseases in adulthood. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy is an important nutritional indicator. Excessive energy intake increases the risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, macrosomia and dystocia. Insufficient, it exposes to the risk of fetal hypotrophy, morbidity and mortality increase in neonatal and postnatal developmental disorders. Desirable nutritional intakes are close to those recommended in the general population. A debate remains concerning the benefit of systematic supplementation with iron, vitamin D and iodine. It is accepted that a diversified, sufficient and balanced diet is enough to satisfy all needs, with the exception of folic acid, the subdeficiency of which, very common among women of childbearing age, is associated with malformations which can be prevented by systematic supplementation. Others supplementation is only necessary for women at risk.