Batt O'Keeffe
Question:62 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health his views on the claim by certain charities that a lack of proper nutrition among pregnant women on benefits contributes to a higher illness rate in children. [18434/95]
Written Answers. - Women's Nutritional Status.
Limerick East): The importance of nutrition during pregnancy is well established. There are however, no specific studies relating to the nutritional status of Irish women. The health promotion unit of the Department of Health provides advice on eating during pregnancy in “The Book of the Child” and in “Food and Babies.” Information is also provided by the health promotion unit on the importance of the B vitamin folic acid before conception. Other relevant leaflets include smoking and pregnancy and alcohol and pregnancy. These booklets and leaflets are available from the health promotion unit of the Department of Health or from the health boards. Advice on nutrition should also form part of the prenatal advice given to women by general practitioners and hospital staff.
The importance of good nutrition to women's health is one of the issues raised in the discussion document on women's health which is currently the subject of extensive consultation, co-ordinated by the health boards with the co-operation of the National Women's Council of Ireland.