Abstract

NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Dhameer Saleh Saeed* and Sanaa Taha Abdulateef

Abstract

Recent estimates have shown a 30% increase in obesity prevalence among women, with 14% of women aged 15-19 years, 25% of those aged 20-30 years, and 28% of those aged 31-50 years obese. In pregnancy, good nutrition is particularly necessary, to maintain maternal and child health. Recommendations about what to eat and what to avoid eating and drinking during pregnancy have become increasingly extensive in recent decades. Food and Nutrition Guidelines, including guidelines for physical activity. They contain recommendations focused on the daily intake of the four major food groups: vegetables and fruit; bread and cereals; milk and milk products; and lean meat, meat alternatives, and eggs. Little is known about the dietary intake of pregnant women in Iraq, and where they get their information about diet and nutrition.

Keywords: Nutrition, physical activity, pregnant women.