Excess Weight, Dietary Habits and Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status in Pregnancy

Nutrition during pregnancy affects health of the mother and that of the offspring. Increased weight before pregnancy and high gestational weight gain, and inadequate gestational nutrition have negative effect on pregnancy outcome. It promotes gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and eclampsia, higher Cesarean section rates, excess weight after delivery. In newborns it increases life-time risk of developing metabolic disease, and impairs brain development and cognitive function. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, may coexist especially in pregnant women with excess weight. Obesity in women is emerging problem in Latvia. Health behavior including dietary habits surveys have been conducted on the general population of Latvia, but data on pregnant women are lacking. The study is needed for estimation of current situation regarding nutrition in pregnant women in Latvia. The aim of study is to investigate excess weight prevalence, related dietary habits, physical activity and omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D status in pregnant women in Latvia. The results of project will provide new knowledge about maternal nutritional status in Latvia and help to identify main nutritional risk factors for both – mother and child. This will help create targeted interventional strategy for improvement of mother and child health on all levels – individual, organizational and political level.