1456Changes in dietary patterns from preconception to during pregnancy and its association with socio-demographic factors

Abstract

Abstract Background Little is known about the changes in dietary patterns from preconception to during pregnancy, nor of their association with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. This study, therefore, examined dietary patterns changes from preconception to during pregnancy and their associations with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Methods This study used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), a population-based prospective cohort study. Women’s dietary patterns were assessed using Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score and the four patterns obtained from the factor analysis (meats, high-fats, and sugar; vegetable and grains; traditional vegetable; and fruit patterns). Multivariable linear regression and repeated measures mixed-effect models were used. Results Women’s scores increased on the ‘HEI-2015’, ‘traditional vegetable’, and ‘fruit’ patterns while the ‘vegetable and grains’ decreased from preconception to during pregnancy. Women with higher education were more likely to increase their HEI-2015 score and fruit consumption from preconception to during pregnancy respectively (β = 2.31, 95%CI: 0.02, 4.60) and (β = 23.78, 95%CI: 4.58, 42.97), than those with lower educational status. Single women were more likely to increase the consumption of vegetables and grains compared to married women (β = 76.08, 95% CI: 20.83, 131.32). Women with higher income had a greater increase in the HEI-2015 score than those with lower income (β = 3.02, 95% CI: 0.21, 5.83). Conclusion The findings indicate that there have been marked dietary changes from preconception to during pregnancy. Changes in healthy dietary patterns were influenced by education, marital status, and income. Key messages Early shaping of adequate dietary behaviours before pregnancy is very important for the mothers and their children's health since pre-conception diets have a critical role in placental and foetal tissue developments.