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Abstract: The effects of maternal nutritional supplementation on birthweight, perinatal mortality, and first year development rates are explained in-depth for health professionals. The study rationales and design are discussed. A sample of 770 black New York City women, less than 30 weeks pregnant and at risk of bearing low-birth-weight infants, was provided with a high or low protein supplement, or placebos. All received vitamins and minerals. Results are contrary to several common assumptions. For example, the highest dietary deficiency of these indigent women was not protein but calories, and protein supplementation did not have a favorable impact on infant birth weight. Somatic and psychological measures of infant development are discussed. Results are compared to those of similar studies conducted during the past decade. (cj).