Maternal Dietary Patterns During Pregnancy and Their Association with Offspring Growth Outcomes

Abstract

Background:

Dietary intervention has the potential to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the connection with low birth weight remains inconclusive. Understanding prevalent dietary patterns among pregnant women is crucial for developing tailored nutritional recommendations to improve offspring health. We aimed to explore low-risk pregnant women's dietary patterns and macronutrient intake and examine its potential relationships with fetal growth.We focused on the influence of discretionary food intake on maternal diet and explored the impact of smoking. Our findings could lead to more effective dietary interventions,improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Methods: The DEQv2 FFQ was given to 1500 mothers in a tertiary metropolitan hospital between 2013 and 2018. Responses were obtained from 1150 mothers, and their dietary intake was analysed and correlated with maternal and fetal characteristics.

Results: The study population's median energy intake was 7542.3KJ/d (IQR 3853.4). Multiparous mothers had more energy intake than primigravida (7719.4 kJ/d vs 7292.2 kJ/d,p<0.05).The energy derived from Fat consumption was higher than the recommended during pregnancy(39.7% vs 20.30%).Mothers who reported smoking had a higher saturated fat contribution to energy intake than non-smokers(45.1% vs 44.1%). 84.9% of mothers reported consuming discretionary food, leading to increased fat in their diet. The main factors affecting fetal growth were smoking OR 0.35 (95% CI 0.13-0.94,p<0.05) and maternal BMI recorded at booking OR 2.1( 95% CI 0.9- 4.3,p<0.05). Diets high in protein and fat lead to better fetal growth; high carbohydrates in diet were associated with better fetal growth in primigravids.

Conclusion: The thesis provided insight into common dietary patterns and macronutrient intake during pregnancy. It emphasises the beneficial role of a healthy diet with balanced macronutrient intake and underscores the harmful effect of smoking on fetal growth.