Nutritional aspects of gestation and puerperium

This chapter is organized into two major sections that address issues about the nutritional aspects of (1) gestation and (2) puerperium, based on the best scientific evidence. The recommended tools and methods for nutritional assessment and weight management followed by nutritional requirements during pregnancy and lactation are presented at each section. Adequacy of gestational weight gain and interventions to reduce postpartum weight retention are opportunely contextualized in the present obesity scenario. Recommendations for common situations in prenatal or postnatal care such as digestive symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, pica, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, and prescription of nutritional supplements are critically discussed. The main nutritional guidelines for adult and adolescent pregnant or lactating women are summarized for use by health professionals in clinical practice. Current topics emerging in the field of maternal and child nutrition are introduced in this chapter: chrononutrition, vegetarianism, DASH diet, e-Health, and early life programming.