Abstract
Several epidemiologic studies have shown an association between Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) and offspring complications. The GWG is directly linked to maternal dietary intake and women’s nutritional status during pregnancy. The aim of this study was (1) to assess, in a sample of Spanish pregnant women, the association between maternal dietary patterns and GWG and (2) to assess maternal dietary patterns and nutrient adequate intake according to GWG. A retrospective study was conducted in a sample of 503 adult pregnant women in five hospitals in Eastern Andalusia (Spain). Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometric values, and dietary intake were collected from clinical records by trained midwives. Usual food intake was gathered through a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and dietary patterns were obtained by principal component analysis. Nutrient adequacy was defined according to European dietary intake recommendations for pregnant women. Regression models adjusted by confounding factors were constructed to study the association between maternal dietary pattern and GWG, and maternal dietary patterns and nutritional adequacy. A negative association was found between GWG and the Mediterranean dietary pattern (crude β = −0.06, 95% CI: −0.11, −0.04). Independent of maternal dietary pattern, nutrient adequacy of dietary fiber, vitamin B9, D, E, and iodine was related to a Mediterranean dietary pattern (p < 0.05). A Mediterranean dietary pattern is related to lower GWG and better nutrient adequacy. The promotion of healthy dietary behavior consistent with the general advice promoted by the Mediterranean Diet (based on legumes, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, and whole cereals) will offer healthful, sustainable, and practical strategies to control GWG and ensure adequate nutrient intake during pregnancy.
Highlights
Eligible participants were women who resided in the referral area of the five hospitals located in the provinces of Jaen (2 hospitals), Granada (2 hospitals), and Almeria (1 hospital), who understood the Spanish language, gave birth to a single live newborn, and agreed to complete and return the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) after delivery assessing their dietary intake during pregnancy
Gestational Weight Gain (GWG), we found that an adequate intake of dietary fiber; vitamins B9, D, and E; calcium; and iodine nutrients was directly related to a classical Mediterranean dietary pattern characterized by a high content of vegetables, olive oil, whole cereals, and nuts
We considered that intake was adequate only when the intake reached at least 2/3 of the recommendations proposed by European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) for pregnant women, correcting the possible bias introduced by the FFQ and assuming, in any case, that the inadequate micronutrient intake would be higher than the estimated figures [27]
Summary
Excess body weight during pregnancy is a public health concern owing to its high prevalence; increased risk of maternal diseases, such as gestational diabetes; and delivery complications [1]. Even though the current maternal guidelines stress the need for Gestational Weight Gain (GWG). Several epidemiological studies have shown an association between GWG and offspring complications. Women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy (i.e., more than the amount recommended in guidelines) are more likely to have infants with high birth weight, premature delivery, and infants with an increased risk of developing childhood obesity [5]. Excessive GWG is associated with an increased risk of maternal diseases, such as gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia [6]
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