Mid-upper arm circumference as a tool to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women and associated factors.

Background: Nutrition is essential during pregnancy, affecting maternal and child health worldwide. Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) is a low-cost measure of nutritional status. This study looks at the role of MUAC in assessing pregnant women's nutrition and how it relates to demo-graphics and dietary factors. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women about Mid Upper Arm Circumference and related factors.

Materials and methods: A descriptive study was carried out on (100) pregnant women in Al-Elwia Maternity Teaching Hospital, Baghdad Teaching Hospital for the period from the first of February to the end of April 2024. To achieve the objective of the study. Instrument (questionnaire) used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used to analyze data.

Results: The results show that (56%) of most participants were in the age group (20-29) years. (22%) were Intermediate school graduates; (77%) were housewife's; (35%) having (≥4) pregnancies. The study sample in the third trimester (35-40 weeks), concerning the Body Mass Index the highest percentage (44%) were Obese II ((≥30 kg/m²) with mean and SD is 29.9 ± 4.59; and according to MUAC most study sample having normal (≥23.5 cm).

Conclusion: The pregnant women had fair knowledge about healthy eating during pregnancy. However, they lacked knowledge about physical activity recommendations.