Maternal nutrition in early pregnancy

Abstract

1. Mean daily nutrient intakes of 195 women in the first trimester of pregnancy were assessed by weighed dietary records.2. In comparison with recommended intakes for non-pregnant women aged 18-55 years (Department of Health and Social Security, (1969), more than two-thirds of the subjects were having insufficient energy, iron and cholecalciferol. Unsatisfactory intakes of other nutrients were not uncommon. In relation to recom mended intakes for the second trimester Department of Health and Social Security, (1969), all mothers were having insufficient cholecalciferol and more than 80 % of mothers had unsatisfactory intakes of energy and Fe.3. Intakes appreciably lower than those recommended were associated with the following factors: social classes III, IV and V; maternal age under 20 years; smoking ten or more cigarettes daily; vomiting on more than 3 d/week.