Impact of nutrition education and medical supervision on pregnancy outcome
Sachdeva, R.; Mann, S.K.
Indian Pediatrics 30(11): 1309-1314
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 8039855 Document Number: 332984
60 Punjabi women from low and lower middle income groups were selected from 8 villages of the Ludhiana district, India. Supplements of iron, folic acid and calcium (Folifer and Calcium Sandoz tablets) were supplied regularly to the experimental (E) group (n=30) from the second trimester onwards. A pamphlet about diet during pregnancy was distributed to E. Moreover, 4 individual and 3 group contacts were made during the second half of pregnancy to reinforce the nutrition education provided by the pamphlet. The control (C) group (n=30) received iron and folate supplements. Body height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUA) and skinfold thickness were recorded. Weight gained during pregnancy and post-partum weight were also recorded and body mass index was calculated. Crown heel length (CHL), birth weight (BW), skinfold thickness, MUA, head circumference, chest circumference and ponderal index (PI) of neonates were recorded within 8 h of birth. Weight gain during pregnancy was 6.30 and 5.7 kg in E and C groups, respectively. BW, CHL, skinfold thickness and PI of the neonates were greater in E than C (P<0.01). Mean BW of neonates in E and C groups was 2700 and 2300 g, respectively. Weight gain during pregnancy was correlated with MUA, BW and skinfold thickness of the neonate (P<0.05).