Maternal Nutrition in Pregnancy

A weight gain of approximately 25 lb during pregnancy is compatible with an optimal outcome. The average gravida requires 2,200 kcal per day to meet the needs of mother and fetus. There is no good evidence that caloric restriction has any effect on the incidence, development or treatment of toxemia. Routine dietary salt restriction or use of diuretics does not alter the incidence of toxemia and plays a minor role in treatment. During the second and third trimesters, pregnant women should have a supplement of 30 to 60 mg of elemental iron per day. There is little evidence that prenatal vitamin supplements have a positive effect on the outcome of pregnancy.