**Preface**

This Special Issue brings together some of the latest original research into maternal diets and nutrient intakes during pregnancy from across the globe. Good nutrition in pregnancy is not only vital for the health of the mother but also influences the physiological development and metabolism of the fetus, and it has the potential to determine the future health and disease risk of the offspring. Determining optimal nutrition for different stages of pregnancy and measuring nutrient intake is challenging; thus, this collection seeks to expand our understanding in this important area of maternal and child health.

This Special Issue includes research papers exploring dietary habits/diet quality and the risks of heart defects in the offspring. Individual nutrients of interest in this issue include vitamin D, choline and omega-3 fatty acids. We also include research investigating dietary intakes/distribution of intake and weight gain, and the issue of under-reporting of energy intake. Research is drawn from across Europe, Asia and the United States representing individuals following a wide range of dietary patterns.

> **Louise Brough and Gail Rees** *Editors*
