[Nutrition during pregnancy--current aspects].

A balanced diet that provides an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is essential for normal fetal development. Maternal morbidity is also lower, since such complications of pregnancy as preeclampsia and premature birth occur less frequently. Consideration should be given to folate deficiency--in particular during the periconceptive period--and iron deficiency during pregnancy. For the structural development of the fetus, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids also appear to have a major role to play. Daily iodine supplementation should be used to avoid goiter in mother and child. Calcium appears to have a protective effect against preeclampsia and hypertension, as also do vitamins E and C. The tocolytic action of magnesium can help reduce the incidence of premature birth. Such noxae as alcohol and nicotine should be avoided completely during the entire pregnancy.