Evaluation of efficacy and effectiveness of prenatal nutritional care on perinatal outcome of pregnant women; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Aim: to evaluate the impact of a prenatal nutritional assistance proposal (PNA) for adult pregnant women. Methods: a study of the impact of an applied nutritional intervention throughout the prenatal on perinatal outcomes - adequacy of total gestational weight gain, gestational anemia frequency and pregnancy complications in a public maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro. The data represent three groups of adult pregnant women, during 10 years: GI (1999-2001, n = 225), GII (2005-2006, n = 208) and GIII (2007-2008, n = 394). Results: in GII (reference group) it was included a detailed nutritional assessment, an individualized eating plan and an attendance of at least four scheduled appointments with a nutritionist. PNA coverage occurred in only 20.4% of GI, 100% of GII and 42.1% in GIII (p <0.001). Women in GI had a higher proportion of inadequate total weight gain (OR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.20 -2.75), anemia (OR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.35 - 3.55) and pregnancy complications (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.04 - 2.36), as well as those who joined Gm, - OR 1.68 (95% CI: 1.16 - 2.44), OR 2.45 (95% CI: 1.56 - 3.84), OR 2.07 (95% CI: 1.42 - 3.00) - when compared to women in GII. Conclusions: the model tested in GII PNA demonstrated to be effective in the outcomes studied.