Urszula Michalik-Marcinkowska

Background The diet of women in the preconception period and during pregnancy has a crucial impact on the development of the fetus and the health and metabolism of the baby. The energy requirements of a pregnant woman are higher, in addition, she should ensure an appropriate intake of particular nutrients and fluids. Folic acid supplementation is the most effective intervention in reducing congenital neural coil defects, as is stopping the consumption of alcohol and minimizing the intake of caffeinated beverages. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the dietary habits, including caffeine and alcohol consumption, of women who are pregnant or preparing to conceive a child. Material and methods The study population comprised (n=539) Polish women. An original questionnaire was used, including a metric and questions about preparation for pregnancy and dietary habits. Responses were collected via the Internet in forums for pregnant women. Results Of the total of the women surveyed, 73% said they were preparing for pregnancy. 64% of the respondents began taking folic acid supplements and 49% had started vitamin and mineral supplementation. Only 21% of women said they had changed their diet in preparation for conceiving offspring. As many as 34% of women said they themselves had adequate knowledge about nutrition during pregnancy, while 43% searched for information on this topic on the Internet. The factor that differentiated the practiced eating habits to the greatest extent was the level of education. Conclusions Despite numerous recommendations, there are still many women who do not prepare for pregnancy and do not follow preconception recommendations. A large number of Polish women with lower education still do not take folic acid. It is necessary to educate the society also about harmful effects of alcohol on the developing fetus. Knowledge should be spread with the use of social media, because women often look for information about nutritional rules on the Internet.