A Multi-Component Nutrition Program for Pregnant and Parenting Teens, a Pilot Study

Improving nutrition during pregnancy is critical for maternal and child health, but even more so among pregnant adolescents. Several studies have shown that poor nutrition and diet quality during pregnancy is related to adverse health outcomes among both the mother and the infant. During pregnancy, the fetus's nutrition and diet quality is largely dependent on the mother. A teenage mother is in a vulnerable position because she needs to meet the demands of her own growth and development in addition to the growth and development of her baby, which can be extremely challenging, especially for mothers who are from disadvantaged communities. Surprisingly, given their unique needs, there is limited literature on multicomponent behavioral interventions that adequately address the unique nutritional needs of pregnant adolescent women and their fetuses, which is why interventions targeted at promoting healthy behaviors among low-income, racially diverse pregnant teens should be a public health priority, particularly in the U.S. This study aims to assess whether a multicomponent behavioral intervention improves intention, initiation, and sustained healthy eating behaviors and eating competence among Pregnant adolescents (second trimester) and Postpartum adolescent mothers (<6 months).