Alice Gormack
Alice completed a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, then a Post-Graduate Diploma in Dietetics at Otago University. After graduation, Alice registered with the Dietitians Board of NZ and worked as a public and private practice dietitian for five years. She then embarked on further study at the University of Auckland, graduating with a Masters in Health Sciences in 2013. Her research thesis was conducted through the Liggins Institute of the University of Auckland and the Fertility Associates Auckland and Hamilton clinics. Alice’s research focussed on the nutritional intake of women undergoing IVF treatment. Alice has a special interest in nutritional intake for conception and a healthy pregnancy. She has previous experience in diabetes, gastroenterology and public health. She currently works as a private practice dietitian with the Fertility Associates, and as a clinical dietitian at Auckland City Hospital.
The Effect of Nutrition on Pregnancy Outcomes Concurrent Workshop Sunday, 15 June 2014 Start 8:30am Duration: 55mins Room 10 Start 9:35am Duration: 55mins Room 10 Maternal dietary intake prior to conception and during pregnancy has a profound impact on pregnancy outcomes and the life-long health of offspring. A substandard nutritional intake encompasses both under and over-nutrition. Poor maternal nutrition increases maternal morbidity and mortality, can have a major impact on labour and delivery, and affects the growth rate and birth weight of the baby. The risk of chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity in the child in later life is also increased. The general NZ female population has a inadequate dietary intake compared to nutritional recommendations, but even women planning a pregnancy have been shown to have poor diet and lifestyle habits. In this session, we look at optimal nutrition for a healthy pregnancy (preconception and gestational nutrition) to improve health outcomes for both mother and child. Practical ideas and suggestions that GP’s can use with patients to improve the dietary intake and lifestyle habits of women of childbearing age, those planning a pregnancy, and those who are already pregnant will be given. Appropriate and evidence-based nutritional supplementation advice for women planning a pregnancy or who are already pregnant will also be covered.