Maternal nutritional assessment

Abstract

Maternal nutritional assessment is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Internationally accepted evaluation in children, adolescents and adults is by the body mass index (BMI) (weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters). It is necessary to be aware of the reference pattern used. Independently, studies in pregnant and non-pregnant women find the main problems are overweight and obesity. Treatment of this burden is to reduce weight, but obtaining the goal is extremely difficult due to the short time involved and pregnant women’s belief that it could be risky to her pregnancy and child. It is suggested that treatment should consist in general recommendations to reduce food ingestion and aim for a healthy nutrition and some physical activity.