Assessment of maternal dietary intake during pregnancy and its relation with nutritional status of infants at birth

Present study aimed to assess the maternal dietary intake during pregnancy and associate it with nutritional status of off springs at birth. This was a longitudinal follow up study. Dietary information was obtained using 24 hour (h) recall and food frequency questionnaire method. Dietary diversity score was also calculated. Pregnant women were followed till delivery for measuring birth size of infants. This study was carried out in a slum area of Delhi. Pregnant women (n = 144) during third trimester (≥28 weeks of gestation) of pregnancy. Average intake of all food groups was found lower than the recommended dietary intake. Nearly 14% and 28% pregnant women received <70% of the RDI for cereals and pulses respectively. Average intake of all the nutrients was also lower than the recommended dietary allowances and <70% of recommended energy and protein was received by nearly half (49.3%) and three fourth (73.6%) of pregnant women respectively. Over half (54.2%) pregnant women did not achieve minimum dietary diversity. Weight of infants at birth increased consistently with advancement in calorie and protein adequacy of mother during pregnancy (p < 0.05). Maternal nutrient intake (energy, protein and micronutrients like riboflavin, niacin, B6 and zinc) during pregnancy was found significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with anthropometric measurements (weight, length and MUAC) of infants at birth. Poor dietary intake was reported among pregnant women residing in a slum of Delhi. Dietary intake of mother was significantly associated with nutritional status of infants at birth.