Assessment of dietary consumption in a group of pregnant women at their second and third trimesters in Amman

Abstract

Background: For a child's healthy growth and development, nutrition is indispensable before and during pregnancy. Meeting nutritional needs during pregnancy has always been a significant public health issue. Objective: The study aimed to assess and evaluate energy, macronutrients, and micronutrient consumption from food among pregnant women in Amman Governorate during the second or third trimesters, then compare the consumption to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). In addition, it aimed to assess micronutrient consumption from foods and supplements; finally, it investigated macronutrient consumption among under-weight, normal-weight, over-weight, and obese pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2018 at the Ministry of Health's (MoH) Maternal and Children Health Centers (MCHC) in Amman to assess the dietary intake in a convenient sample of 300 seemingly healthy pregnant women between 17 and 40 years old and at ≥ 13 weeks of gestation. Maternal demographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometric measurements, and dietary data (three-day recall) were collected. Results: The daily mean intake of carbohydrates exceeded the recommended intake in 45.3% of pregnant women. Fiber intake was less than 28g/day in 90% of them. Total fats intake (45.6g/day) was lower than the RDA in 42.3% of pregnant women. Two-thirds of the pregnant women consumed a moderate amount of saturated fats (14.6g/day). The mean daily intake of proteins was 50.5±20.2g—more than two-thirds consumed protein less than the RDA. Subsequently, intakes of all essential amino acids were below RDAs.The intake of fat-soluble vitamins was lower than RDA for vitamins D, E, and K.While, whereas vitamin A was higher than RDA. Copper and salt intakes were more significant than the RDA for minerals (calcium, fluoride, iodine, iron, zinc, and selenium). Conclusion: The results showed inadequate and imbalanced dietary intake compared to RDA. Maternal nutrition and diets of pregnant women in this study show alarming indicators that may negatively affect the well-being of both pregnant women and fetal growth.