Impact of Pre-pregnancy Micronutrient Supplementation on Maternal and Child Outcomes

Impact of Pre-Pregnancy Micronutrient Supplementation on Maternal and Child Outcomes

The study evaluates the efficacy of providing weekly iron-folate (IFA) supplements or Multiple Micronutrient (MM) supplements before pregnancy in increasing birth weight and duration of gestation as well as maternal and infant iron status.

Low birth weight and anemia remain intractable problems in many developing countries despite considerable efforts to address them. Intervening with just prenatal iron-folate (IFA) supplements may not be the best approach given the substantial demands for iron by maternal and fetal tissues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to evaluate the additional contribution of prepregnancy interventions.

The study evaluates the efficacy of providing weekly iron-folate (IFA) supplements or Multiple Micronutrient (MM) supplements before pregnancy in increasing birth weight and duration of gestation as well as maternal and infant iron status.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-35 years old
• Currently married
• Currently living in one of the 10 communes and intends to live in the areas for 24 months following recruitment
• Plans to have children in the next year
• Agrees to participate with informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently pregnant
• Delivered in the previous six months
• Regularly consumed IFA or MM supplements in the past 2 months
• Severe anemia (Hb < 7 g/L)
• History of high risk pregnancy including abruptio placenta, placenta previa, gestational diabetes, pregnancy induced hypertension, coagulation disorders, thrombocytopenia or chronic vascular, renal or systemic disease and drug use
• Chronic hematological diseases, hereditary defects of red cells or hemoglobin