Energy requirements of pregnancy: an integration of the longitudinal data from the five-country study
Durnin, J.V.
Lancet 2(8568): 1131-1133
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 2890029 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(87)91556-xDocument Number: 356774
A technical report summarizes and discusses the results of a longitudinal study of the energy requirements of pregnant women in 5 countries (Scotland, Netherlands, Gambia, Thailand, and Philippines). Information is included on the initial characteristics of the study subjects, maternal weight gain, basal metabolic rate, mechanical efficiency, energy cost of pregnancy, and maternal energy intake. Differences between countries are discussed, noting the similarity in outcomes between Scotland and the Netherlands and the inhomogeneity of the data from the 3 developing countries. It is concluded that the energy costs of pregnancy (and maternal energy needs) are about 250 MJ (60,000) kcal).(wz)