The nutritional status of pregnant mothers referring to hospitals in Arak on the basis of anthropometric measurements and dietary intakes

Nutritional status assessment is a method for nutritional care which aims to determine nutritional needs and to meet nutritional requirements. Pregnant and lactating mothers are considered vulnerable groups. The use of this method، especially for determination of calorie and protein intake has positive effects on growth of neonates. Thus، the purpose of this study is to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women. In this cross-sectional study، 80 pregnant mothers were selected from private and public hospitals in Arak. Data were gathered through a questionnaire including general information concerning pregnant mothers and their nutritional diet. The analysis of dietary intake was done by nutritionist IV software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The average weight gain for pregnant mothers at the end of pregnancy was 10. 1kg. The mean of body mass index for the mothers was 22. 2 kg/m2، and the average weight for neonates was 2. 5 kg. The average energy intakes in mothers were equal compared with RDA، and the average protein intake was greater compared with RDA. There was a significant positive correlation between weight gain during and total body weight at the end of pregnancy (r=0. 93) (P<0. 01). Also، there was a significant negative correlation between weight of pre pregnancy and percent of weight gain at the end of pregnancy (r=-0. 39) (P<0. 01). A significant positive correlation was found between total body weight at the end of pregnancy and birth weight of neonates (r=0. 34) (P<0. 01). Adequate nutritional status of mothers influenced normal body weight in neonates.