The Open Diabetes Journal

2014, 7 : 14-19
Published online 2014 June 13. DOI: 10.2174/1876524601407010014
Publisher ID: TODIAJ-7-14

Maternal Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Measurements of Newborn at Birth

Fareeha Shaikh , Fariha Zeeshan , Rubina Hakeem , Abdul Basit , Asher Fawwad and Akhtar Hussain
Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, Department of International Community Health, University of Oslo, Norway.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the association between maternal dietary intake and nutritional status during pregnancy with anthropometric measurements of the newborns at birth.

Methods: An observational study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan from December 2009 to April 2010. Expectant mothers were recruited from selected antenatal clinics after obtaining informed consent. On the basis of the expected weight-for-height of adult women during pregnancy, mothers were categorized into under- and well-nourished groups. Dietary profile of 100 mothers (48 from 1st trimester and 52 from 3rd trimester) was recorded by using “Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24 hour dietary recall”. Deliveries of 3rd trimester group of mothers were followed. Anthropometric measurements of newborns were recorded.

Methods: An observational study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan from December 2009 to April 2010. Expectant mothers were recruited from selected antenatal clinics after obtaining informed consent. On the basis of the expected weight-for-height of adult women during pregnancy, mothers were categorized into under- and well-nourished groups. Dietary profile of 100 mothers (48 from 1st trimester and 52 from 3rd trimester) was recorded by using “Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24 hour dietary recall”. Deliveries of 3rd trimester group of mothers were followed. Anthropometric measurements of newborns were recorded.

Conclusion: Overall energy intake was low in undernourished compared to well-nourished mothers during early gestation. Moreover, maternal dietary intake and nutritional status during pregnancy have impact on fetal body composition.

Keywords:

Anthropometric measurements, maternal diet, newborn.