Abstract

This study was carried out to figure out the dietary intake of pregnant women in Daegu area. A total of 467 pregnant women was recruited at two hospitals in this area to collect the information on dietary intakes, general characteristics, and anthropometric measurements using an interview. Forty-seven women (10.1%) were in the first trimester, 101 women (21.6%) in the second trimester, and 319 women (68.3%) in the third trimester. The mean age, prepregnant weight and height of subjects were not significantly different among the trimester groups. The mean daily nutrient intakes of energy, fat, protein, carbohydrates, phosphate, sodium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin C were significantly different among the trimester groups, but the other nutrients were not different. For the calcium and iron, the percentage of subjects consumed less than 75% of the Korean RDA was over 80%, and for other nutrients such as energy, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2 over 50% of subjects consumed less than 75% of the Korean RDA in the first trimester. The correlations between nutrient intakes and weight gain during pregnancy showed different patterns among the trimester groups. The mean adequacy ratio and dietary variety scores were not significantly different among the trimester groups. The amount of food intake from cereals and cereal products were higher during the second and the third trimester compared to the first trimester, but those of the other food groups were not significantly different. In conclusion, nutrient intakes of the pregnant women for iron, calcium and some vitamins were inadequate and nutritional management programs for these nutrients are necessary.

• Keywords: pregnant women; dietary intake; trimester