Food consumption, dietary habits and nutritional status of the population of Reus:: follow-up from preconception throughout pregnancy and after birth

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of food, energy and nutritional consumption at preconception, weeks 6, 10, 26 and 38 of pregnancy, and 6 and 26 weeks after birth. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Longitudinal evaluation of the nutritional status in 80 healthy volunteers with the intention of immediate conception was performed. Food consumption was estimated using the "7 day register". Toxic habits and physical activity in each phase were also estimated. Education level, weight, height and parity were recorded at preconception. RESULTS: Food and nutritional consumption varied slightly between preconception and pregnancy with the exception of increased consumption of milk, fruit and vegetables and reduced consumption of sugars, sugar-containing and alcoholic drinks. Energy intake did not vary significantly during pregnancy but increased 6 weeks after birth, coinciding with lactation. However recommended energy intakes were not met in any of the phases of the study. Six months after birth, women had lower food, energy and nutritional intakes than during the preconception period. The probability of inadequate intake of iron, calcium, vitamin B, and folates was increased in the last weeks of pregnancy and this continued until up to 6 months after birth. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, pregnant women did not increase energy and nutritional intake during pregnancy with respect to the preconception period. Energy intake was increased immediately after birth, coinciding with lactation. Throughout the study, however, the reported consumption was lower than recommended daily intakes.