Nutrition and lifestyle before and during pregnancy - New guideline published

New national recommendations for pregnant women

Which vitamins and minerals are useful as a nutritional supplement during pregnancy? Eating vegan: What do pregnant women need to know about it? How much should expectant mothers move? The Gesund in Leben network has updated the nationwide uniform recommendations for pregnancy and added recommendations for the preconception phase. The advisory basis is aimed at all professional groups that look after and inform women who want to have children or expectant parents.

Based on new scientific evidence, the updated dietary and lifestyle recommendations before and during pregnancy provide clear answers for advising and assisting women in the family planning period and expectant parents, e.g. as part of check-ups.

New are recommendations for women who want to become pregnant sooner or later. The period prior to pregnancy (pre-conception phase) can be used to start taking folic acid, bring body weight as close as possible to normal weight, check habits (such as tackling smoking cessation), and check vaccination status and dental health. This can create favorable conditions for the course of pregnancy and for the health of mother and child.

"When it comes to prevention, the sooner it starts, the better," explains Prof. Dr. med. Dr. Berthold Koletzko, German Society for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine e.V. and spokesman of the Scientific Advisory Board of Gesund into Life. "In addition to genetics, external influences play an important role in the development of obesity and certain diseases. The first 1,000 days from conception are regarded as a particularly sensitive window of opportunity, and even before pregnancy can set the course for health. "

"Many women are unaware of how the lifestyle affects mother and child before and during pregnancy. Gynecologists often accompany women over many years. We can and should use this trusting contact for important information work and also encourage women to have a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise with regard to pregnancy. " Achim Wöckel of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics e.V.

"The new recommendations for action highlight the importance and opportunities of early prevention. All occupational groups that accompany future and expectant parents thus have a scientifically sound and uniform counseling standard at hand, while at the same time keeping an eye on the everyday lives of families. Together we can strengthen families in their health literacy, "emphasizes Maria Flothkötter, Head of Healthy Living. Further information: The new recommendations for action are available online at: www.gesund-ins-leben.de/inhalt/handlungsempfehlungen-29378.html (sb)