Good maternal nutrition. The best start in life (2016)

2016, xiv + 85 pages
ISBN 978 92 890 5154 5

This publication has three parts: 

• a summary of the results of a systematic review of the most recent evidence on maternal nutrition, the prevention of obesity and noncommunicable diseases; 
• a review of existing recommendations for nutrition, physical activity and weight gain during pregnancy in European countries; and 
• lists of possible opportunities for action in European countries.

The overview and exploration of the national recommendations for nutrition, physical activity and weight gain during pregnancy are based on the results of a survey in which 51 of the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region took part. A series of annexes provides further information on the survey and details of the responses.

The publication concludes with a summary of some possible opportunities for action at the national level, based on the evidence described and relevant WHO policies and resolutions. These are opportunities to promote nutrition and health throughout the life-course, ensure optimal diet-related fetal development and reduce the impact of morbidity and risk factors for noncommunicable diseases by improving maternal nutrition.