Abstract

Background: The nutritional status of women in the periconceptional phase and during pregnancy and lactation imposes an indomitable influence on both fetal and maternal outcomes.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital on 292 pregnant women to know the status of nutrient uptake and their effects. A semi structured questionnaire was developed and employed to collect information. Questionnaire included questions pertaining to patient’s details and sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, mode of delivery, details on nutritional supplements taken, health status of mother and infant and the reason for non-compliance.

Results: Antenatal women in the age group 20-35 years were included in the study (n = 291). 76.29% (n = 222) women were regular with their supplementation. Of those irregular with their regimen, the commonest reason cited was forgetfulness at 52.17% (n = 36). Amongst those not consuming folic acid, (n = 12), 91.67% (n = 11) gave birth to LBW babies compared to 15.05% (n = 42) amongst those who consumed folic acid (n = 279), which was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.000). Amongst those taking omega 2 fatty acids (n = 21), 4.76% (n = 1) had LBW neonate, compared to 19.26% (n = 52) amongst those not consuming it (n = 270). (p = 0.097)

Conclusion: Nutritional supplements had a positive impact on neonatal birth weight however compliance to other formulations including multivitamins needs to be advocated.