Dietary patterns and gestational weight gain: evidence from the “Mamma & Bambino” cohort

Abstract

Abstract Background In 2009, the Institute of Medicine (IoM) revised the guidelines on recommended gestational weight gain (GWG), taking into account pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) independent of age and ethnicity. However, more than half of mothers does not meet these guidelines with adverse outcomes for themselves and for newborns. Here, we used data of 232 women from the “Mamma & Bambino” cohort (Catania, Italy) to investigate the association between maternal dietary patterns, pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG. Methods Pregnant women were enrolled during the prenatal genetic counselling, at 4-20 gestational week. Dietary patterns were derived by food frequency questionnaire and principal component analysis. Self-reported pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG was calculated according World Health Organization and IoM guidelines, respectively. Results Adherence to the “western” dietary pattern - characterized by high intake of red meat, fries, dipping sauces, salty snacks and alcoholic drinks - was associated with increased GWG (β = 1.217; SE = 0.487; p = 0.013), especially among obese women (β = 7.363; SE = 1.808; p = 0.005). In contrast, adherence to the “prudent” dietary pattern - characterized by high intake of potatoes, cooked vegetables, legumes, rice and soup - was associated with reduced pre-pregnancy BMI (β=-0.651; SE = 0.308; p-trend=0.035). Interestingly, the adherence to this pattern was positively associated with GWG among underweight (β = 4.127; SE = 1.722; p = 0.048), and negatively among overweight and obese (β=-4.209; SE = 1.635; p = 0.016 and β=-7.356; SE = 2.304; p = 0.031, respectively). Conclusions Our findings encourage further studies to evaluate potential preventive strategies against inadequate weight gain, including the promotion of healthy dietary habits even during the periconceptional period. Key messages Adherence to diet rich in red meat, fries, dipping sauces, salty snacks and alcoholic drinks increases GWG, especially among obese women. Adherence to diet rich in potatoes, vegetables, legumes, rice and soup was associated with lower pre-pregnancy BMI, increased GWG among underweight, and decreased GWG among overweight/obese women.