Nutritional management and interventions in complications of pregnancy: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy, also known as the “gestation period” which lasts for 37−40 weeks, has been marked as the period of “physiological stress” in a woman's life. A wide range of symptoms, from nausea to ectopic pregnancy, are usually aligned with risk factors like abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, etc. An estimated total of 15% of total pregnant women face serious complications requiring urgent attention for safe pregnancy survival. Over the past decades, several changes in the environment and nutrition habits have increased the possibility of unfavourable changes during the gestation phase. The diagnostic factors, management and nutritional interventions are targeted and more emphasis has been laid on modifying or managing the nutritional factors in this physiologically stressed phase. Aims: This review focuses on dietary modifications and nutritional interventions for the treatment of complications of pregnancy. Nutritional management has been identified to be one of the primary necessities in addition to drug therapy. It is important to set a healthy diet pattern throughout the gestation phase or even before by incorporating key nutrients into the maternal diet. Methods: The published literature from various databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect were used to establish the fact of management and treatment of complications of pregnancy. Results: The recommendations of dietary supplements have underlined the concept behind the eradication of maternal deficiencies and improving metabolic profiles. Conclusion: Therefore, the present review summarises the dietary recommendations to combat pregnancy-related complications which are necessary in order to prevent and manage the same.

The Impact of Stress and Social Determinants on Diet in Cardiovascular Prevention in Young Women

“…Pregnancy and nutrition are closely intertwined, as proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing baby. The first crucial point is a balanced and varied diet that includes a wide range of nutrients [45,[53][54][55][56]. The diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy or plant-based alternatives, and healthy fats.…”

“…The diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy or plant-based alternatives, and healthy fats. It is important to avoid foods with empty calories and focus on nutrient-rich options [45,[53][54][55][56]. Little information is available on the effect of stimulants such as coffee and caffeine during pregnancy.…”

“…The amount of food a woman needs during pregnancy depends on a number of things including her body mass index, before pregnancy, the rate at which she gains weight, age, and appetite. All pregnant women should eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods each day [52][53][54]56,98].…”

Weight Variability, Weight Gain Goals, and Biopsychosocial Factors Among Pregnant Women

“…In this study, we explored five biopsychosocial factors, including morning sickness, food cravings, sad mood, stress, and household food shortages, that are pregnancy-specific or intensified during pregnancy and thus have the potential to influence gestational weight gain. Morning sickness may occur throughout pregnancy and change pregnant women’s diet habits (Singh et al, 2023). Approximately 80% of pregnant women have reported food cravings, and 45% reported developing new cravings during pregnancy (Belzer et al, 2010; Farland et al, 2015).…”