Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (MDQI) of the pregnant women

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine pregnant women's nutritional status and habits in the middle and low-income groups and the level of compliance with the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet supports healthy fetal growth and development by providing sufficient nutrients for pregnant women and protecting against the development of obstetrical pathologies. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty-two pregnant women aged 17-45 were included. The demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements, systolic blood pressure, fasting, and postprandial blood glucose values were noted.24-hour recall was determined and The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (MDQI) developed by Gerber et al. was used to assess nutritional status. Nutritional habits and food attitude changes during gestation were recorded. Results: Overall, 15.2% of the pregnant women had good, 54.5% had medium-good, and %29.5 had medium-poor adherence to MDQI. The dietary macronutrient intakes were close to the daily dietary recommended intakes (DRI); however, micronutrient intakes were below the recommendations. Pre-pregnancy mean BMI was found to be 26.4 kg/m2. Conclusions: According to the mean pre-pregnant BMI, the pregnant women were overweight, and their adherence to the Mediterranean diet needed to be improved. General measures should be taken to improve pregnant women's diets and micronutrient intakes, even in the Mediterranean countries where this diet is the daily nutrition habit of local inhabitant pregnant women.