Women were interviewed about age, civil status, obstetric history and socio-economic status at enrolment. Maternal anthropometry was measured at enrolment, at delivery, and eight weeks after delivery. Maternal malaria parasitaemia and haemoglobin were measured at enrolment and eight weeks after delivery. Maternal status of a wide range of micronutrients was assessed at enrolment and eight weeks after delivery in a sub-cohort of 600 women. Further, survival of the infants will be followed until 3 years of age, within the routines of the Bandim Health Project surveillance system.