Nutritional evaluation of adolescent and adult pregnant women assisted by primary health care in Mossoró-RN

Abstract

Objective: to assess the nutritional profile of adolescent and adult pregnant women assisted by Primary Health Care. Methods: An anthropometric evaluation and a food frequency questionnaire were conducted with a group of 40 volunteers, consisted of adolescent and adult pregnant women, in three Basic Health Units from the city of Mossoró/RN. Results: in the pregestational period of teenage pregnant women, none presented low weight, 6 were eutrophic (85.7%), 1 was overweight (14.3%) and none were obese. By the gestational period, 2 out of the 6 eutrophic women kept that status, 2 presented low weight and 2 became overweight. The teenage pregnant woman that was overweight became obese. Regarding the adult expectant women in pregestational period, 1 featured low weight (3%), 14 were eutrophic (42.4%), 12 were overweight (36.4%) and 6 were obese (18.2%). In the gestational period, 10 out of the 14 eutrophic women remained in that category. As to low weight, there was an increase from 3.0% to 9.1% (3); and a 6% increase of obese pregnant mothers; concerning the overweight group, there was no alteration. In relation to food consumption, there was good intake of in natura or minimally processed foods, evident daily ingestion of sugar and margarine, higher daily intake of white bread, and daily or weekly use (1 to 4 times) of ultraprocessed foods. Conclusion: it is reiterated the importance of nutritional guidance for those women since the pregestational stage, so that during gestation the weight gain and food quality ensure benefits during and after that period.