Food consumption of pregnant women assisted in Health Units

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.201640012837

Abstract

Food plays essential role for the health of pregnant women. Due to the intense metabolism period, it is necessary
healthy food consumption which ensures the development of an adequate pregnancy. Due to this information, the aim
of this study is to analyze the adequacy of food groups consumed by pregnant women attending prenatal consultations
in the health units of the municipality Reconcavo in Bahia. It is a cross sectional study involving pregnant women in
prenatal service of the public network over the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. It was used structured questionnaire with
socio-demographic information, obstetric and health. To assess food consumption it was used the Survey of Food
Consumption Frequency (FFQ). The portions of the food groups were determined then analyzed according to the food
pyramid adapted to the Brazilian population. It was also analyzed the socioeconomic characteristics of the sample. They
interviewed 70 pregnant women aged between 20 and 45 years. Among these women, 75.8% were married or in a
stable relationship, 78.6% with high school degree, 36.2% had family income lower than the minimum wage and 41.5%
declare themselves as black. It was observed that the socioeconomic characteristics can influence directly on the diet of
pregnant women. In the analysis of food groups was noted insufficient intake of legumes, milk and dairy products, and
excessive consumption of the group of sugar/sweets and meats and eggs. There was inadequate food consumption in
terms of qualitative (food groups), not taking into account the specific needs of the gestational cycle, which may result
in nutritional risk to mother and fetus.