Dietary intake and nutritional adequacy prior to conception and during pregnancy: a follow-up study in the north of Portugal

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and the risk of childhood asthma by 10 years of age-Evidence from The Generation XXI birth cohort study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the association between maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and asthma in children by 10 years of age.

METHODS

We considered 5585 mother-child pairs enrolled in a population-based birth cohort. Consumption of regular and decaffeinated coffee, black and green tea, and cola beverages before and during pregnancy was obtained through face-to-face interviews within 72 h after giving birth, and total caffeine intake (mg/day) was estimated. Medical diagnosis of asthma was assessed and spirometry with bronchodilation was performed at 10 years of age. We used adjusted regression models to estimate the association between the caffeine intake/day during pregnancy with asthma by 10 years of age, and a quadratic relationship was verified between them. Consumption of caffeine before pregnancy, gestational age, maternal years of schooling, maternal self-reported medical diagnosis of asthma, smoking status before and during pregnancy, and children's sex were considered as confounders. We used nonlinear least squares models to estimate the knot point and its respective confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

A higher intake of caffeine/day decreased the odds of having childhood asthma at 10 years of age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41; 0.88). The estimated knot point was 92.7 mg of caffeine/day (95% CI: 36.3, 163.3), where the risk was 7.2%, while for no intake (0 mg) the risk was 8.8%.

CONCLUSION

Maternal caffeine intake up to an estimated intake of approximately 93 mg/day during pregnancy decreased childhood asthma risk by 10 years of age. Nonetheless, further studies are required to confirm our results.

KEY MESSAGE

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy up to an estimated intake of approximately 93 mg/day decreased the risk of asthma in children by 10 years of age, but considering caffeine's potential adverse effects on other health outcomes, further studies are needed to explore its link to childhood asthma.

The effects of pregnancy-related changes in eating attitudes and behaviours on nutritional status

BACKGROUND

During pregnancy, the requirements of essential nutrients for the mother and foetus increase. The changes in pregnant women's eating behaviours may vary according to their sociodemographic characteristics. It is important to meet these increased requirements and understand the factors influencing eating habits during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the effects of changes in pregnant women's eating attitudes and behaviours and their sociodemographic characteristics on their meeting status for nutrient recommendations.

METHODS

Sociodemographic information, eating behaviours, and attitudes of 656 pregnant women were obtained in face-to-face interviews between February and June 2020. Food consumption records were taken with a 24-hour recall method and evaluated according to the estimated average requirement value.

RESULTS

The average age of pregnant women was 29.0 ± 5.2 years, 28.0% were high school graduates, and 69.2% were non-working. The frequency of intakes below the estimated mean requirement value were iron, folic acid, vitamin B6, niacin, and calcium. It was demonstrated that there was a significant difference in snack consumption based on the working status and nutrition information obtained (P < .05). Getting nutrition information, age, education level, working status, and pre-pregnancy body mass index significantly increased food consumption (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Inadequate nutrient intake is a common public health problem in pregnant women. It is necessary to identify the sociodemographic characteristics that negatively impact pregnant women's nutritional status and to develop nutrition and health education programs based on these features.

What are the changes in mothers' diets after the birth of a child: results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort

Childbirth is a major life-changing event, this period is an opportunity to improve eating habits. The aim of this longitudinal study was to identify and characterise dietary changes in women according to their parity status. Dietary intake data from 4194 women of childbearing age included in the NutriNet-Santé cohort were derived using a FFQ, administered in 2014 and 2018, distinguishing between organic and conventional food consumption. Women were classified into four groups: ‘previous children’, ‘multiparous’, ‘primiparous’ and ‘nulliparous’. Multi-adjusted ANCOVA models were used to estimate the changes according to the parity group. Changes in food consumption towards a more plant-based, healthier and organic diet were observed in all four groups of women, although to various degrees. In multivariable models, ‘Nulliparous’ women showed a greater improvement in terms of ‘sustainable’ food consumption than ‘previous children’ women. ‘Primiparous’ women significantly increased their energy intake (+349 (269–429) kcal/d) and their consumption of dairy products (+30 (3–56) g/d), and they significantly decreased their consumption of alcohol (–23 (–32–15) g/d), coffee and tea (–107 (–155–60) g/d). Regarding organic food, ‘nulliparous’ women increased their consumption more than ‘previous children’ and ‘primiparous’ women were those who were most frequently in the top quintile of organic food increase. Although there were dietary changes in all groups of women according to their parity, childless women have a shift moving towards a more sustainable diet. Women who had a first child reduced their alcohol and caffeine consumption.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviours of Pregnant Women in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study

Health behaviours of pregnant women should promote an optimal course of pregnancy and maternal health. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women's health behaviours (proper eating habits with a particular focus on the type of food consumed; preventive behaviours in terms of compliance with health recommendations and obtaining information on health and disease; healthy practices-daily habits in terms of sleep, rest and physical activity; as well as positive mental attitudes-avoiding strong emotions, stress, and depressing situations, determined by the frequency of each behaviour reported by the respondents). The study included women at different stages of pregnancy and women who were pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 355 women participated in the study. The study used a proprietary questionnaire and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). The overall health behaviour score during the pandemic was higher (85.87) than the pre-pandemic score (82.16). There was a statistically significant difference between the total pre-pandemic and during-pandemic HBI scores. Additionally, there was an increase in the total score in each of the health behaviour domains during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic results. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women presented a statistically significantly higher rate of health behaviours, as measured with the HBI, indicating that respondents were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours. The study has shown a positive change in pregnant women's eating habits, which can potentially affect the health of the population in the future.

Risks of motor vehicle crash before and during pregnancy: A population-based controlled study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Changes in risk of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) during pregnancy are less known, and very few studies have assessed this issue by using unselected population-based datasets and adopting a before-and-during design. The study aimed to address the risk of MVC events in association with pregnancy using a national pregnant women cohort in Taiwan.

METHODS

We conducted a self-matched design in which each woman served as a driver before and during pregnancy. A total of 1,372,664 pregnant women with live birth(s) at 18-50 years of age between 2008 and 2017 were identified from the Birth Notification dataset. MVC events as a driver were ascertained from the Police-reported Traffic Accident Registry dataset. We calculated the rate ratio (RR) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) using the conditional Poisson regression model to compare the MVC event rates between pre-pregnancy and pregnancy periods.

RESULTS

The overall rate of MVC events was significantly reduced during pregnancy (RR = 0.69, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.68-0.71). Mothers with alcoholism during pregnancy were associated with an increased RR at 2.00 but with a very wide CI. Reduction in RR was primarily attributed to the reduced MVC event rate involving scooter crashes (0.60, 95 % CI = 0.58-0.62).

CONCLUSION

Although MVC event rates decreased during women became pregnant, many women drivers were still involved in MVCs during pregnancy. Their potential maternal and perinatal conditions along with their offspring's health outcomes need further investigations.

Dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behavior and association with BMI during the transition to parenthood: a prospective dyadic study

Introduction

Little is known on how diet, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) changes during pregnancy and after childbirth in primiparous couples. Moreover, it is unclear how potential behavioral changes are associated with changes in BMI. This study examined changes in diet, PA and SB, and their association with changes in BMI in couples transitioning to parenthood.

Methods

Dietary intake (FFQ), PA, SB (both Actigraph GT3X accelerometers) and BMI of women and men were assessed at 12 weeks of gestation, 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Data were analyzed using dyadic longitudinal data analyses techniques.

Results

In women, a decrease in fruit intake, an increase in alcohol intake, an increase of light-intensity PA, and a decrease in SB were observed from the beginning of pregnancy up to 6 months postpartum. Decreases in fruit intake between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum was associated with increases in BMI. Men did not show significant dietary changes, while an increase in light-intensity PA and a decrease in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was observed at 6 months postpartum when compared to 12 weeks of gestation. Paternal increases in "avoidance food group" intake were associated with increases in BMI between baseline and 6 weeks postpartum. No associations of changes in BMI and changes in PA and SB were found.

Discussion

Not only mothers but also fathers experienced unfavorable changes in lifestyle during the transition to parenthood, with impact on BMI changes. This highlights the need to monitor unhealthy changes in lifestyle and body weight in both parents when expecting a child and after childbirth.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03454958.

Serum Vitamins A and E at Mid-Pregnancy and Their Relationships with Both Maternal and Cord Blood Antioxidant Status and Perinatal Conditions: The NELA Cohort

INTRODUCTION

Most of the pregnant women do not achieve the recommended dietary intake of vitamins A and E. These vitamins may counteract oxidative stress involved in some adverse perinatal outcomes. We aimed to assess the associations between maternal vitamin A and E at mid-pregnancy with both maternal and fetal outcomes and to identify possible early biomarkers during pregnancy to predict and prevent oxidative stress in the offspring.

METHODS

Data on dietary and serum levels of vitamins A and E were collected from 544 pregnant women from the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) study, a prospective mother-child cohort set up in Spain.

RESULTS

There were large discrepancies between low dietary vitamin E intake (78% of the mothers) and low serum vitamin E levels (3%) at 24 weeks of gestation. Maternal serum vitamins A and E at mid-pregnancy were associated with higher antioxidant status not only in the mother at this time point (lower hydroperoxides and higher total antioxidant activity [TAA]) but also with the newborn at birth (higher TAA). Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was negatively associated with maternal serum vitamin A (OR: 0.95 CI: 0.91-0.99, p = 0.009) at mid-pregnancy. Nevertheless, we could not detect any association between GDM and oxidative stress parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, maternal vitamin A and E serum levels may be used as an early potential biomarker of antioxidant status of the neonate at birth. Control of these vitamins during pregnancy could help avoid morbid conditions in the newborn caused by oxidative stress in GDM pregnancies.

Pregnancy thiamine and riboflavin intake and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Thiamine and riboflavin deficiencies exist to varying degrees worldwide, especially in developing countries. Evidence regarding the association between thiamine and riboflavin intake and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is scarce.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the association of thiamine and riboflavin intake during pregnancy, including dietary source and supplementation, with GDM risk in a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

We included 3036 pregnant women (923 in the first trimester and 2113 in the second trimester) from the Tongji Birth Cohort. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and a lifestyle questionnaire were used to assess thiamine and riboflavin intake from dietary source and supplementation, respectively. GDM was diagnosed using the 75 g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks of gestation. A modified Poisson regression or logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between thiamine and riboflavin intake and GDM risk.

RESULTS

Dietary intake of thiamine and riboflavin was at low levels during pregnancy. In the fully adjusted model, compared with participants in quartile 1 (Q1), those who had more total thiamine and riboflavin intake had a lower risk of GDM during the first trimester [thiamine: Q2: RR: 0.58 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.98); Q3: RR: 0.45 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.84); Q4: RR: 0.35 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.72), P for trend = 0.002; riboflavin: Q2: RR: 0.63 (95% CI: 0.37, 1.09); Q3: RR: 0.45 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.87); Q4: RR: 0.39 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.79), P for trend = 0.006]. This association was also observed during the second trimester. Similar results were observed for the association between thiamine and riboflavin supplement use but not dietary intake and GDM risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher intake of thiamine and riboflavin during pregnancy is associated with a lower incidence of GDM. This trial was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn as ChiCTR1800016908.

Retrospective cumulative dietary risk assessment of craniofacial alterations by residues of pesticides

EFSA established cumulative assessment groups and conducted retrospective cumulative risk assessments for two types of craniofacial alterations (alterations due to abnormal skeletal development, head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects) for 14 European populations of women in childbearing age. Cumulative acute exposure calculations were performed by probabilistic modelling using monitoring data collected by Member States in 2017, 2018 and 2019. A rigorous uncertainty analysis was performed using expert knowledge elicitation. Considering all sources of uncertainty, their dependencies and differences between populations, it was concluded with varying degrees of certainty that the MOET resulting from cumulative exposure is above 100 for the two types of craniofacial alterations. The threshold for regulatory consideration established by risk managers is therefore not exceeded. Considering the severity of the effects under consideration, it was also assessed whether the MOET is above 500. This was the case with varying levels of certainty for the head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects. However, for the alterations due to abnormal skeletal development, it was found about as likely as not that the MOET is above 500 in most populations. For two populations, it was even found more likely that the MOET is below 500. These results were discussed in the light of the conservatism of the methodological approach.

Low Periconceptional Dietary Intakes among Japanese Women: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)

Pregnancy is usually associated with dietary imbalances. We aim to assess the changes in Japanese women's diet and nutritional adequacy before and during pregnancy. In the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), we recruited a large cohort of pregnant women (>100,000) from 15 Japanese communities. We assessed their diet before and during pregnancy by a food frequency questionnaire. The before and during pregnancy intakes of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients were lower than the recommended level for Japanese women by 1% to 49%. The dietary intakes of pregnant women were lower than their intakes before pregnancy, except for milk, dairy products, and calcium. The daily during pregnancy intake of energy, carbohydrate, fat, protein, folic acid, and iron decreased by 85 kcal, 11.6 g, 2.3 g, 2.8 g, 20 μg, and 0.5 mg than the before pregnancy intake. Pregnant women's declined food and nutrients intakes were moderately correlated to their dietary intakes before pregnancy; the correlation coefficient ranged between 0.47 and 0.67. The inter-individual variability was greater than the intra-individual variability of the dietary intakes. Almost half of the pregnant women remained in the same intake quartile for all nutrients and food groups as before pregnancy. Yet, approximately 10% of pregnant women changed their pregnancy intake by ≥50% (≥2 quartiles up or down) compared to before pregnancy. In conclusion, the study identified low periconceptional dietary intakes among Japanese pregnant women. The low dietary intake of essential nutrients, such as folate, requires revising the Japanese national periconceptional dietary and supplementation guidelines.

Food Supplement Use Differs from the Recommendations in Pregnant Women: A Multinational Survey

The aim was to investigate, among pregnant women, (1) the use of food supplements and (2) the awareness of food supplement recommendations and beliefs about food supplement use in four European countries: Finland, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The participants (n = 1804) completed an online questionnaire with predefined statements. Daily intakes of vitamins and minerals were calculated using uploaded pictures or weblinks of the supplement packages. Country differences were assessed. Most participants (91%) used at least one food supplement during pregnancy. A prenatal multivitamin was the most commonly used supplement type (84% of the users), and 75% of the participants thought consumption of multivitamin is recommended. Of the participants, 81% knew that folic acid is recommended during pregnancy while 58% knew the recommendation for vitamin D. In 19% of the supplement users, the daily safe upper intake limit of at least one nutrient was exceeded. Nevertheless, most participants agreed that they knew which supplements (91%) and doses of supplements (87%) needed to be used during pregnancy. To conclude, the majority of the participants used food supplements, but lower proportions knew and adhered to the recommended intakes. Between-country differences were observed in the use and knowledge of and beliefs regarding supplements. The results suggest a need for assessment and monitoring of supplement use in antenatal care to ensure appropriate use.

Health Behaviors and Behavior Change during Pregnancy: Theory-Based Investigation of Predictors and Interrelations

(1) Background: Preventing pregnancy complications and maternal deaths and helping women stay healthy before, during, and after pregnancy by means of sexual health and behavior is imperative. Previous research demonstrated that a lack of social support and perceived discrimination have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. These determinants may impact health behavior as an important mediator of pregnancy outcomes. To better understand this relation, the Compensatory Carry-Over Action Model (CCAM) was applied. The research question was: how do predictors of health behavior, specifically intention, planning, self-efficacy, social support, and discrimination, interrelate with different health behaviors during pregnancy? (2) Methods: By means of qualitative interviews with ten pregnant women (20–39 years, mean = 28.6) from different cultural backgrounds, the predictors of health behaviors and experiences with pregnancy, including racial discrimination, were investigated. (3) Results: Not all women changed their unhealthy behaviors even though their higher-level goal was to ensure their baby’s and their own health. This appeared partially due to lack of social support, racial discrimination, and unexpected pregnancy side effects. The women who previously performed health behaviors revealed a healthier pattern with maintaining or even expanding their health behaviors, while those performing no health behavior in the past reported more obstacles with a healthy lifestyle. (4) Conclusions: Pregnant women appear to be having difficulties translating good intentions into behavior. The reasons include lack of support, fear, and insecurity, which impact self-efficacy and planning. Improvements in health behaviors were facilitated by specific circumstances, such as working from home. Policy and practice should take these aspects into account and help mobilize support and overcome discrimination by means of more rights and support for pregnant women while also empowering the individuals.

Dietary Supplement Use during Pregnancy: Perceptions versus Reality

This study aimed to examine the prevalence, associated factors and perceptions of dietary supplement use among pregnant Chinese women. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data about prevalence, purchase channels, perceptions, and related factors of dietary supplement use from 572 pregnant women, through a face-to-face survey, using a self-designed questionnaire. Of the respondents, 94.8% used at least one dietary supplement, whereas 29.8% used more than four supplements in the previous month. The majority of the pregnant women were highly educated (81.2% had a bachelor’s degree or above) and had the perception that dietary supplements could prevent and improve (89.2%), or treat, nutrition-related diseases (78.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that pregnant women who had used multiple (more than four) supplements were more likely to have a larger gestational age, received fertility treatment, more prenatal visits, and hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnant women not only purchased dietary supplements through hospitals (72.6%) and pharmacies (45.1%), but overseas Daigou or online purchases (31.8%) were also a major channel of purchase. A high prevalence of dietary supplement use during pregnancy was observed, with extensive and repeated consumption of nutrients. Pregnant women’s craze for dietary supplements calls for more comprehensive guidelines in China.

Associations between Sociodemographic Factors, Lifestyle Behaviors, Pregnancy-Related Determinants, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence among Pregnant Women: The GESTAFIT Project

We examined sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and pregnancy-related determinants associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) during pregnancy. A total of 152 Caucasian pregnant women were included in this cross-sectional study. Dietary habits and MD adherence were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity (PA) levels and physical fitness (PF) components (cardiorespiratory fitness, relative muscle strength, and flexibility) were objectively measured. A clustered overall PF index was calculated. Participants with a high MD adherence were older, had a lower body mass index (BMI), spent more time in moderate−vigorous PA, had a greater overall PF, cardiorespiratory fitness, and relative muscle strength compared to participants with low MD adherence (all, p < 0.05). When we explored factors associated with improved MD adherence with logistic regression analysis, we found that the following factors: lower pre-pregnancy BMI (OR = 2.337; p = 0.026), meeting PA recommendations (OR = 2.377; p = 0.045), higher relative muscle strength (OR = 2.265; p = 0.016), and higher overall PF (OR = 5.202; p = 0.004) increased the chances to adhere to the MD. Older age, lower BMI, greater PF, and meeting PA recommendations were associated with higher MD adherence. These factors should be considered for a better design of educational programs and guidelines focused on improving materno−fetal health status during pregnancy.

Fast-track referral for health interventions during pregnancy: study protocol of a randomised pragmatic experimental study to reduce low birth weight in Portugal (STOP LBW)

INTRODUCTION

Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with a wide range of short-term and long-term consequences and is related to maternal psychosocial and behavioural determinants. The objective of this study is to estimate the effect of implementing fast-track referral for early intervention on psychosocial and behavioural risk factors-smoking, alcohol consumption, depression and physical violence-in reducing the incidence of LBW.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Parallel superiority pragmatic clinical trial randomised by clusters. Primary healthcare units (PHCU) located in Portugal will be randomised (1:1) to intervention or control groups. Pregnant women over 18 years of age attending these PHCU will be eligible to the study. Risk factors will be assessed through face-to-face interviews. In the intervention group, women who report at least one risk factor will have immediate access to referral services. The comparison group will be the local standard of care for these risk factors. We will use intention-to-treat analyses to compare intervention and control groups. We estimated a sample size of 2832 pregnant women to detect a 30% reduction in the incidence rate of LBW between the control and intervention groups. Secondary outcomes are the reduction of preterm births, reduction of the four risk factors and acceptance of the intervention.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Public Health Institute of the University of Porto (no CE20140). The findings will be disseminated to the public, the funders, health professionals, health managers and other researchers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04866277.

Maternal dietary diversity and nutritional adequacy in relation with anthropometric measurements of newborns at birth: a cohort study in Tehran city

Background

Maternal dietary intake during pregnancy plays an important role in fetal development and birth outcomes. The aim of the present study was to determine maternal dietary diversity and Nutritional adequacy in relation with anthropometric measurements of newborn at birth as a cohort study in Tehran city.

Methods

This prospective cohort study, was conducted by participation of 585 pregnant women referred to public health centers and hospitals covered by Shahid Beheshti, Tehran and Iran Universities in Tehran City. Using face-to-face interviews, general characteristics were obtained by questionnaire. Pre-pregnancy dietary intake was measured by a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire at the first visit, and dietary intake during pregnancy was measured by 2 non-consecutive 24-h food recall (one holiday and one regular day) at 31–34 weeks. Maternal height and weight were measured using standard tools and protocol at the first visit, and maternal weight at the end of pregnancy and data related to neonatal anthropometric indices were collected from mothers and neonates health records in the Sib electrical system. By applying SPSS software (version 23) the association was analyzed by linear regression with adjusting for confounding factors. P-value< 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

Mean ± standard deviation of body mass index (BMI) of pre-pregnancy, pregnancy weight gain, BMI for age z-score (BAZ) at birth of infants were 24.52 ± 4.12, 12.16 ± 6.85 kg and − 0.61 ± 1.48, respectively. Mean ± SD of the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) and Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) before and during pregnancy were 5.31 ± 1.11, vs.5.23 ± 1.42 and 289.85 ± 113.12 vs. 371.07 ± 197.28, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors DDS in the third trimester of pregnancy was inversely correlated with WAZ (B = -0.16, 95% CI = - 0.23_0.30) and BAZ (B = − 0.24, 95% CI = - 0.06_0. 42) at birth, MAR of pre-pregnancy (B = − 0.001, 95% CI = - 0.002_0.00) and in the third trimester of pregnancy (B = − 0.18, 95% CI = - 0.35_0.004) were negatively associated with WAZ at birth.

Conclusion

The findings showed that maternal nutritional status (dietary diversity and nutritional adequacy) before and during pregnancy were correlated with neonatal anthropometric indices at birth.

Evaluating ‘Power 4 a Healthy Pregnancy’ (P4HP) – protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial and process evaluation to empower pregnant women towards improved diet quality

Background

In general during pregnancy, women are aware of the importance of good diet quality, interested in nutrition, and receptive to changing dietary intake. However, adherence to dietary guidelines is sub-optimal. A pregnant woman’s first information source regarding nutrition information is her midwife. Healthy nutrition promotion by midwives may therefore be very promising, but midwives face multiple barriers in providing nutritional support. Empowering pregnant women to improve their diet quality is expected to improve their health. Therefore an empowerment intervention has been developed to improve diet quality among pregnant women. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of Power 4 a Healthy Pregnancy (P4HP). P4HP aims to empower pregnant women to have a healthier diet quality.

Methods/design

This study applies a mixed methodology consisting of a non-blinded cluster randomized trial with an intervention (P4HP) group and a control group and a process evaluation. Midwifery practices, the clusters, will be randomly allocated to the intervention arm (n = 7) and control arm (n = 7). Participating women are placed in intervention or control conditions based on their midwifery practice. Each midwifery practice includes 25 pregnant women, making 350 participants in total. Health related outcomes, diet quality, empowerment, Sense of Coherence, Quality of Life, and Self-Rated Health of participants will be assessed before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention. The process evaluation focuses on multidisciplinary collaboration, facilitators, and barriers, and consists of in-depth interviews with midwives, dieticians and pregnant women.

Discussion

This study is the first to evaluate an empowerment intervention to improve diet quality in this target population. This mixed method evaluation will contribute to knowledge about the effectiveness and feasibility regarding diet quality, empowerment, health-related outcomes, multidisciplinary collaboration, facilitators and barriers of the empowerment intervention P4HP. Results will help inform how to empower pregnant women to achieve improved diet quality by midwives and dieticians. If proven effective, P4HP has the potential to be implemented nationally and scaled up to a long-term trajectory from preconception to the postnatal phase.

Trial registration

The trial is prospectively registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NL9551). Date registered: 19/05/2021.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-12543-z.

Dietary Fat and Fatty Acid Intake in Nulliparous Women: Associations with Preterm Birth and Distinctions by Maternal BMI

BACKGROUND

Evidence documenting whether diet quality, particularly dietary fatty acids, is associated with preterm birth (PTB) is limited.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to measure associations between dietary fatty acid intake prior to pregnancy, specifically n-3 (ɷ-3) PUFAs and odds of PTB in US women and determine if associations differed by prepregnancy BMI.

METHODS

We designed a secondary analysis of dietary intake in nulliparous women enrolled in a longitudinal cohort (NCT01322529). Participants completed an FFQ, modified to assess detailed PUFA intake, during the 3 mo preceding pregnancy. Inclusion in this analytic cohort required total energy intake within 2 SDs of the group mean. Prepregnancy BMI was categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. The primary exposure was estimated intake of EPA and DHA (combined EPA+DHA), in the context of a recommended intake of 250 mg. The primary outcome was PTB (<37 wk). Adjusted regression models controlled for maternal factors relevant to PTB and evaluated associations with PUFAs. Interaction terms estimated effect modification of BMI. A false discovery rate (FDR) correction accounted for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Median daily intake of combined EPA+DHA in 7365 women was 70 mg (IQR: 32, 145 mg). A significant interaction term indicated the effects of EPA+DHA on odds of PTB were different for different BMI categories (P < 0.01). Specifically, higher intake of combined EPA+DHA was nominally associated with reduced odds of PTB in women with underweight (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.46-0.98) and normal BMI (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78-0.96), yet was associated with increased odds of overweight BMI (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.44). Associations remained significant after FDR correction.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a cohort of US women designed to identify predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes, dietary intake of combined EPA+DHA was considerably lower than recommended. Associations between intake of these recommended n-3 fatty acids and risk of PTB differ by maternal BMI.

Dietary Quality and Sociodemographic and Health Behavior Characteristics Among Pregnant Women Participating in the New York University Children's Health and Environment Study

Maternal diet, prior to and during pregnancy, plays an important role in the immediate and long-term health of the mother and her offspring. Our objectives were to assess diet quality among a large, diverse, urban cohort of pregnant women, and examine associations with sociodemographic and health behavior characteristics. Data were from 1,325 pregnant women enrolled in New York University Children's Health and Environment Study (NYU CHES). Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. Mean total HEI-2015 score was 74.9 (SD = 8.5); 376 (28%), 612 (46%), 263 (20%), and 74 (6%) of women had scores that fell into the grade range of A/B, C, D, and F, respectively. Mean HEI-2015 component scores were high for fruit and whole grains and low for protein-related, sodium, and fat-related components. In multivariable linear regression models, Hispanic women scored 1.65 points higher on the total HEI-2015 (95% CI: 0.21, 3.10) compared to non-Hispanic White women, while younger age (<30 years), parity, single status, pre-pregnancy obesity, smoking, pre-existing hypertension, moderate/severe depressive symptoms, not meeting physical activity recommendations, and not taking a vitamin before pregnancy were associated with ~1.5–5-point lower mean total HEI-2015 scores. Diet is a modifiable behavior; our results suggest a continued need for pre-conceptional and prenatal nutritional counseling.

Pregnancy persistently reduces alcohol purchases: Causal evidence from scanner data

We analyze household-level changes in alcohol consumption in response to pregnancy. Using scanner data, we identify households with a pregnant household member. Within an event study and a dynamic difference-in-differences estimation, we find that during a first pregnancy, households reduce their alcohol purchases by 36%. After pregnancy, purchases of alcohol are 34% lower than before pregnancy. We do not find any effect during the second pregnancy. One possible explanation for our result is that lower consumption during pregnancy changes habits and reduces consumption in the long term. We discuss other explanations and comment on policy implications.

Dietary Cholesterol Intake and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

This meta-analysis aimed to understand the association between dietary cholesterol intake and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We systematically searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases to identify observational studies, published before September 2020, investigating the relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and risk of GDM. After evaluating the heterogeneity among studies, we used fixed- or random-effects models to calculate pooled values of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in order to estimate the effect of dietary cholesterol on the risk of GDM. We included a total of 9 studies (3 cohort, 4 cross-sectional, and 2 case-control) involving 30123 participants and 3237 cases. The pooled RR of GDM comparing highest versus lowest category of dietary cholesterol intake was 1.49 (95% CI, 1.18-1.88). The dose-response relationship showed that the risk of GDM increased by 32% (RR = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.20-1.45) for every increase of 100 mg per day in dietary cholesterol intake. This meta-analysis indicates that an increase in dietary cholesterol intake is associated with increased risk of GDM. Detailed cohort studies are essential to gain a better understanding of this association. Key teaching pointsStudies on animal models have suggested that a cholesterol-rich diet can promote systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which can contribute to T2DM and GDM.Several epidemiological studies have investigated a potential relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and GDM risk, and the results are controversial.Our meta-analysis indicates that increased dietary cholesterol intake is associated with increased GDM risk.Dose-response analysis showed a linear relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and risk of GDM.

Changes in Dietary Intake in Pregnant Women from Periconception to Pregnancy in the Japan Environment and Children's Study: A Nationwide Japanese Birth Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Nutritional requirements increase during pregnancy. However, relatively few studies have examined longitudinal changes in dietary intake from periconception to pregnancy. Here, we investigated changes in the intake of food and nutrients, and compliance with dietary reference intakes (DRIs) in pregnant women.

METHODS

The Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide multicenter prospective cohort study, included 30,373 pregnant women who answered a validated food frequency questionnaire repeatedly to assess changes in dietary intake in periconception and pregnancy. Energy-adjusted intakes of food groups and nutrients were described using the density method. The percentage of women not meeting DRIs was calculated.

RESULTS

Of all foods groups examined, intake of food significantly increased from periconception to pregnancy for dairy products (mean difference 23.5 g/1000 kcal, 95% confidence interval [CI] 22.0-25.0 g/1000 kcal), confectionaries (2.0 g/1000 kcal, 1.8-2.2 g/1000 kcal), and soft drinks (1.3 g/1000 kcal, 0.3-2.3 g/1000 kcal). Of all nutrients examined, intake was significantly increased for calcium (mean difference 27 mg/1000 kcal, 95% CI 25-29 mg/1000 kcal), vitamin A (15 μgRE/1000 kcal, 13-18 g/1000 kcal), and saturated fat (0.4% energy, 0.4-0.4% energy). The percentage of women not meeting DRIs increased for vitamin B group, vitamin C, saturated fat and salt.

CONCLUSION

We found that energy-adjusted intakes of calcium, vitamin A, and saturated fat increased from periconception to pregnancy, while intake of other nutrients did not increase. The percentage of women not meeting DRIs increased for water-soluble vitamins, saturated fat, and salt.

Offspring Birth Weight Is Associated with Specific Preconception Maternal Food Group Intake: Data from a Linked Population-Based Birth Cohort

The preconception period has been recognized as one of the earliest sensitive windows for human development. Maternal dietary intake during this period may influence the oocyte quality, as well as placenta and early embryonic development during the first trimester of pregnancy. Previous studies have found associations between macronutrient intake during preconception and pregnancy outcomes. However, as food products consist of multiple macro- and micronutrients, it is difficult to relate this to dietary intake behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between intake of specific food groups during the preconception period with birth weight, using data from the Perined-Lifelines linked birth cohort. The Perined-Lifelines birth cohort consists of women who delivered a live-born infant at term after being enrolled in a large population-based cohort study (The Lifelines Cohort). Information on birth outcome was obtained by linkage to the Dutch perinatal registry (Perined). In total, we included 1698 women with data available on birth weight of the offspring and reliable detailed information on dietary intake using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire obtained before pregnancy. Based on the 2015 Dutch Dietary Guidelines and recent literature 22 food groups were formulated. Birth weight was converted into gestational age-adjusted z-scores. Multivariable linear regression was performed, adjusted for intake of other food groups and covariates (maternal BMI, maternal age, smoking, alcohol, education level, urbanization level, parity, sex of newborn, ethnicity). Linear regression analysis, adjusted for covariates and intake of energy (in kcal) (adjusted z score [95% CI], P) showed that intake of food groups "artificially sweetened products" and "vegetables" was associated with increased birth weight (resp. (β = 0.001 [95% CI 0.000 to 0.001, p = 0.002]), (β = 0.002 [95% CI 0.000 to 0.003, p = 0.03])). Intake of food group "eggs" was associated with decreased birth weight (β = -0.093 [95% CI -0.174 to -0.013, p = 0.02]). Intake in food groups was expressed in 10 g per 1000 kcal to be able to draw conclusions on clinical relevance given the bigger portion size of the food groups. In particular, preconception intake of "artificially sweetened products" was shown to be associated with increased birth weight. Artificial sweeteners were introduced into our diets with the intention to reduce caloric intake and normalize blood glucose levels, without compromising on the preference for sweet food products. Our findings highlight the need to better understand how artificial sweeteners may affect the metabolism of the mother and her offspring already from preconception onwards.

Preconceptional diet quality is associated with birth outcomes among low socioeconomic status minority women in a high-income country

PURPOSE

Studies of the association between maternal nutrition and birth outcomes have investigated differing nutrients, maternal socioeconomic conditions, and timing within the reproductive cycle; and have produced inconsistent results. We evaluated the association of preconceptional maternal dietary intake with birth outcomes among low socioeconomic status ethnic minority women in a high-income country.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, habitual preconceptional dietary intake was assessed among pregnant Bedouin Arab women in Israel (n = 384), using a short culturally specific, targeted food frequency questionnaire. Multiple nutrients (protein, lysine, calcium, iron, zinc, folate, omega-3 fatty acids) were evaluated simultaneously via a diet quality score derived from principal component analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test associations between the diet quality score and a composite adverse birth outcomes variable, including preterm birth, low birth weight and small for gestational age.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine women (18%) had adverse birth outcomes. Women with low preconceptional diet quality scores had low intakes of nutrient-rich plant foods, bioavailable micronutrients, and complete proteins. In multivariable analysis, a woman at the 10th percentile of the diet quality score had a 2.97 higher odds (95% CI 1.28-6.86) of an adverse birth outcome than a woman at the 90th percentile.

CONCLUSION

Low diet quality during the preconceptional period was associated with adverse birth outcomes among low socioeconomic status minority women in a high-income country. The results have implications for the development of appropriate intervention strategies to prevent adverse birth outcomes, and the promotion of adequate nutrition throughout the child-bearing years.

Dietary Iron Intake in Pregnant Women in Europe: A Review of 24 Studies from 14 Countries in the Period 1991-2014

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of dietary iron intake in pregnant women in Europe.

DESIGN

Review. Setting. Literature search of dietary surveys reporting the intake of dietary iron using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases covering the years 1990-2019.

SUBJECTS

Healthy pregnant women.

RESULTS

24 dietary surveys/studies in 14 European countries were included. Nine studies (38%) used Food Frequency Questionnaires, which yielded significantly higher iron intake than studies using Dietary Records. Results from Dietary Record studies in 11 countries showed that iron intake varied between 8.3-15.4 mg/day with an estimated "median" value of 10-11 mg/day. Spain, Bosnia, and Poland reported an intake of 8.3-10.1 mg/day, Croatia, England, Norway, and Finland an intake of 10.2-11.4 mg/day, and Germany, Portugal, Czech Republic, and Greece an intake of 12.2-15.4 mg/day. The recommended iron intake in the various countries varied from 14.8-30 mg/day. In all studies, 60-100% of the women had a dietary iron intake below the recommended intake.

CONCLUSIONS

In Europe, the majority of pregnant women have a dietary iron intake, which is markedly below the recommended intake. This contributes to a low iron status in many pregnant women. Most guidelines do not advice routine iron supplements, while two guidelines (World Health Organization and Nordic Nutrition Recommendations) recommend routine iron supplementation during pregnancy. Within the European community, we need to reach consensus on the various guidelines and on the issue of iron supplementation. We should establish common European standardized dietary methods, uniform Dietary Reference Values, and uniform statistical methods in order to perform more reliable comparisons between studies in different countries.

Dietary guideline adherence during preconception and pregnancy: A systematic review

The aim of this study is to determine the level of adherence to dietary guidelines among men and women during preconception, and pregnant women, and factors associated with adherence. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, AMED, EMBASE, and Maternity and Infant Care from inception to March 2018. Observational studies assessing the primary outcome (adherence to dietary guidelines and/or nutritional recommendations) and/or secondary outcome (factors associated with adherence) were eligible. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross‐sectional studies. Men or women (aged ≥18 years) who identified as trying/intending to conceive or were pregnant. Eighteen studies were included. The quality of studies was fair (44%) to good (56%). Most studies indicated preconceptual and pregnant women do not meet recommendations for vegetable, cereal grain, or folate intake. Pregnant women did not meet iron or calcium intake requirements in 91% and 55% of included studies, respectively, and also exceeded fat intake recommendations in 55% of included studies. Higher level education was associated with improved guideline adherence in pregnant women, whereas older age and non‐smoking status were associated with greater guideline adherence in preconceptual and pregnant women. The findings of this review suggest that preconceptual and pregnant women may not be meeting the minimum requirements stipulated in dietary guidelines and/or nutritional recommendations. This could have potential adverse consequences for pregnancy and birth outcomes and the health of the offspring. Major knowledge gaps identified in this review, which warrant further investigation, are the dietary intakes of men during preconception, and the predictors of guideline adherence.

Low Prevalence of Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy: A Multicenter Study in Vietnam

Periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation is recommended to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), but little information is known about its use in Vietnam. It is important that FA supplements start to be taken when planning a pregnancy and continued through the first trimester to prevent NTDs, as the neural tube closes in the first month of pregnancy. However, FA supplementation in Vietnam is usually recommended to commence from the first antenatal visit, which is usually at 16 weeks, and very few women take FA before their first visit. This multicenter study aimed to determine the prevalence of FA supplement use and associated maternal characteristics in Vietnam. FA supplementation was assessed in 2030 singleton pregnant women between 2015 and 2016. In total, 654 (32.2%) women reported taking either supplements containing FA alone or multivitamins containing FA, and 505 (24.9%) reported correctly taking supplements containing FA alone. Women who were aged 30 years or over, had low education levels, had formal employment, and whose current pregnancy was first or unplanned were less likely to supplement with FA. Education programs are needed to encourage FA supplementation when contemplating pregnancy.

Dietary Iron Intake in Women of Reproductive Age in Europe: A Review of 49 Studies from 29 Countries in the Period 1993-2015

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of dietary iron intake in women of reproductive age in Europe.

DESIGN

Review.

SETTING

Literature search of dietary surveys reporting intake of iron using PubMed, Internet browsers, and national nutrient databases in the period 1993-2015.

SUBJECTS

Women of reproductive age.

RESULTS

49 dietary surveys/studies in 29 European countries were included. Belgium, Bosnia, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Northern Ireland, Serbia, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom/England, and Wales reported a median/mean iron intake of 7.6-9.9 mg/day. Finland, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Spain reported an intake of 10.0-10.7 mg/day. Austria, Estonia, France, and Russia reported an intake of 11.0-11.9 mg/day. Latvia and Germany reported an intake of 12.0-12.2 mg/day. Croatia, Lithuania, Portugal, and Slovakia reported an intake of 15.9-19.0 mg/day. The percentage of dietary iron consisting of heme iron, reported in 7 studies, varied from 4.3% in United Kingdom to 25% in Spain. Nutrient density for iron (mg iron/10 MJ, median/mean) varied from 11.8 in Sweden to 23.0 in Lithuania. The correlation between nutrient density and dietary iron was significant (p=0.0006). In most countries, the majority of women had a dietary iron intake below 15 mg/day. In Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, and Sweden, 91-95% of women had an intake below 15 mg/day. In Ireland and Germany, 61-78% had an intake below 15 mg/day.

CONCLUSIONS

In Europe, 61-97% of women have a dietary iron intake below 15 mg/day. This contributes to a low iron status in many women. We need common European standardized dietary methods, uniform dietary reference values, and uniform statistical methods to perform intercountry comparisons.

Global inequities in dietary calcium intake during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence shows that adequate calcium intake during pregnancy reduces the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) the daily calcium intake is well below recommendations. Mapping calcium intake during pregnancy worldwide and identifying populations with low calcium intake will provide the evidence base for more targeted actions to improve calcium intake.

OBJECTIVE

To assess dietary calcium intake during pregnancy worldwide.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE and EMBASE (from July 2004 to November 2017).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Cross-sectional, cohort, and intervention studies reporting calcium intake during pregnancy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Five reviewers working in pairs independently performed screening, extraction, and quality assessment. We reported summary measures of calcium intake and calculated the weighted arithmetic mean for high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs independently, and for geographic regions, among studies reporting country of recruitment, mean intake, and total number of participants. When available, inadequate intakes were reported.

MAIN RESULTS

From 1880 citations 105 works met the inclusion criteria, providing data for 73 958 women in 37 countries. The mean calcium intake was 948.3 mg/day (95% CI 872.1-1024.4 mg/day) for HICs and 647.6 mg/day (95% CI 568.7-726.5 mg/day) for LMICs. Calcium intakes below 800 mg/day were reported in five (29%) countries from HICs and in 14 (82%) countries from LMICs.

CONCLUSION

These results are consistent with a lack of improvement in calcium dietary intake during pregnancy and confirm the gap between HICs and LMICs, with alarmingly low intakes recorded for pregnant women in LMICs. From the public health perspective, in the absence of specific local data, calcium supplementation of pregnant women in these countries should be universal.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Despite dietary recommendations, women in LMICs face pregnancy with diets low in calcium.

Effect of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on reduction of depressive symptoms among HIV-seropositive pregnant women: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Globally, it is known that HIV-infected pregnant women are prone to depressive symptoms. Research evidences also suggest that nutrient deficiencies may enhance the depressive illness, and that fish oil omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate the depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fish oil omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid-rich supplements on depressive symptoms among HIV-seropositive pregnant women.

TRIAL DESIGN

A randomized double-blinded controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted. The intervention group received fish oil omega-3 of 3.17 g (eicosapentaenoic acid = 2.15 g; docosahexaenoic acid = 1.02 g) per day for 8 weeks, while the control group received soybean oil for a similar period.

METHOD

Participants were HIV-seropositive pregnant women who were enrolled in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs and attending antenatal clinics at selected Nairobi city county's health facilities. Recruitment was done from health records of HIV-infected pregnant women. Data analysis followed per-protocol analysis. Participants who completed the 8-week trial were included in the analysis of covariance statistical model with omega-3 as main effect. The covariates in the change in BDI-II depressive symptom score outcome were baseline characteristics and nutrient adequacy.

RESULTS

282 participants were recruited 109 randomized to fish oil, and 107 to soybean oil. Completion rate was 86/109 (78.9%) and 96/107 (89.7%) respectively. At the end of week-8 of follow up most participants in both arms had mild depressive symptoms 82/86 (95.3%) in the Fish oil group and 94/96 (97.9%) in the Soybean oil group. The difference in effect between the intervention and control group was not statistically significant (1.01 (95% CI - 0.58 to 2.60), p = 0.21).

CONCLUSION

Fish oil omega-3 with a daily dosage of 3.17 g (eicosapentaenoic acid = 2.15 g; docosahexaenoic acid = 1.02 g) appears to provide no added benefit in reduction of the symptoms of depression in HIV-infected pregnant women.Trial Registration Clinical Trial Registry: NCT01614249. Registered on June 5, 2012. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01614249.

Dietary Protein Intake, Meat Consumption, and Dairy Consumption in the Year Preceding Pregnancy and During Pregnancy and Their Associations With the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study in Southwest China

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has become a public health problem in China. Objective: To examine the association of dietary protein intake before and during pregnancy with the risk of GDM. Design: Dietary intake before pregnancy and during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy was assessed using food frequency questionnaires in a prospective cohort of pregnant women. To screen GDM, participants underwent an OGTT test during 24-28 weeks of gestation. Cox proportional hazards were used to estimate RRs and 95% CIs for the associations between tertiles of dietary protein and the source of protein intake in different time windows with GDM status. Results: Higher intake of total protein [RR (95% CI): 1.92 (1.10-3.14), p for trend = 0.04] or animal protein [1.67 (1.19-2.93), p for trend = 0.03] in mid-pregnancy was associated with higher risk of GDM. Vegetable protein intake before or during pregnancy was not related to GDM risk (p for trend > 0.05). Moreover, in the mid-pregnancy, participants with higher meat consumption or dairy consumption had a higher risk of GDM. Conclusion: Our study indicated that higher dietary intakes of total protein and animal protein in mid-pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of GDM among pregnant Chinese women.

Role of food taboos in energy, macro and micronutrient intake of pregnant women in western Kenya

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine food taboos/habits and dietary patterns of pregnant women in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 205 individual 24-h recall interviews were conducted face to face to collect information on pregnant women dietary intake. Women focus group discussions were conducted in seven villages in Kakamega County to determine which foods are avoided during pregnancy and the reasons for avoiding them.

Findings

The concept of “baby becoming big” was common advice to pregnant women to reduce intake of large amounts of starchy or high caloric foods. Restriction on the consumption of some parts of cow and chicken and consumption of eggs was widespread. Women with the highest education had significantly higher intake than women with lower education: energy (1,718 vs 1,436 kcal, p = 0.007), protein (45 vs 38 g, p = 0.03), vitamin C (59 vs 39 mg, p = 0.000), calcium (275 vs 222 mg, p = 0.04) and iron (8.5 vs 7.2 mg, p = 0.03). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that participants with higher education were more likely to reach estimated average intake for energy (OR = 2.82, 95 per cent CI = 1.2-6.5) and vitamin C (OR = 4.1, 95 per cent CI = 1.5-11.0) than women with lower education level.

Originality/value

The observed link between reduced intake of nutrients and low education levels suggests that education is a possible intervention strategy. Incorporating nutrition education in school curriculum and improving knowledge on nutrition among women with low education may help overcome unhealthy food taboos in pregnant women.

Changes in fruit and vegetable consumption habits from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy among Norwegian women

BACKGROUND

A healthy diet is important for pregnancy outcome and the current and future health of woman and child. The aims of the study were to explore the changes from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy in consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV), and to describe associations with maternal educational level, body mass index (BMI) and age.

METHODS

Healthy nulliparous women were included in the Norwegian Fit for Delivery (NFFD) trial from September 2009 to February 2013, recruited from eight antenatal clinics in southern Norway. At inclusion, in median gestational week 15 (range 9-20), 575 participants answered a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) where they reported consumption of FV, both current intake and recollection of pre-pregnancy intake. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

The percentage of women consuming FV daily or more frequently in the following categories increased from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy: vegetables on sandwiches (13 vs. 17%, p <0.01), other vegetables (11 vs. 14%, p = 0.01), fruits (apples, pears, oranges or bananas) (24 vs. 41%, p < 0.01), other fruits and berries (8 vs. 15%, p < 0.01) and fruits and vegetables as snacks (14 vs. 28%, p < 0.01). The percentage of women who reported at least daily consumption of vegetables with dinner (22% at both time points) was stable. A higher proportion of older women increased their consumption of vegetables and fruits as snacks from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy compared to younger women (p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an increase in the proportion of women consuming FV daily or more frequently from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov database, NCT01001689 . https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01001689?term=NCT01001689&rank=1 .

Critical assessment of the research outcomes of European birth cohorts: linking environmental factors with non-communicable diseases

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review paper was to stimulate collaborative discussions toward the development of a general concept of an open source protocol for a feasible and efficient longitudinal birth cohort study exploring non-communicable diseases (NCDs), their multifactorial etiology and relations between various risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN

The present paper systematically reviews the design of existing birth cohorts in Europe containing environmental exposure data, and assesses a quantity and quality of their research outcomes as their potential to be an effective tool for studying non-communicable diseases and their risk factors.

METHODS

European birth cohorts with more than 3000 participants have been included in the study. A total number of scientific papers published in the internationally recognized journals and their impact factors and citation records were evaluated for all cohorts as surrogates for their efficiency to contribute to NCDs understanding and thus their prevention.

RESULTS

The birth cohorts contributing most significantly to the NCD understanding shared common features: (i) study size between 10,000 and 15,000 mother-child pairs; (ii) repeated assessment of children from prenatal into adulthood; and (iii) availability of biological samples. Smaller cohorts and cohorts with a specific focus generated a lower number of publications; however, these often received considerably a higher number of citations.

CONCLUSIONS

General cohort studies with 10,000-15,000 mother-child pairs allow a broader context interpretation, publish a higher number of articles, and often lead to the formation of infrastructures for 'spin-off (nested) studies'.

Nutrient Intake according to Weight Gain during Pregnancy, Job Status, and Household Income

The objective of this study was to investigate the association of nutrient intake and pregnancy outcome mediated by weight gain during pregnancy, job status, and household income. Maternal age, educational level, self-reported pre-pregnancy weights, educational level, and household income were collected from the women at 2 months postpartum. For each offspring, weight at birth, length at birth, and gestational age were collected. Participants were asked to report the frequency of consumption of foods between 28–42 weeks into the pregnancy. Diet was assessed by using a validated 106-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) and women were asked portions and quantities based on pictures, food models, and measuring tools such as cups or teaspoons. Results showed that women who gained below the recommended weight gain during pregnancy, within, and over were 25.3%, 38.7%, 36.0%, respectively. In comparison to weight gain and the offspring's length and weight at birth, the offspring of mothers with a lower weight gain had a higher length. Energy, protein, vitamin B₂, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium were significantly lower at employed group. We did not observe a significant difference between birth characteristics and maternal nutrient intake by income. Infants with a higher ponderal index at birth were born to women with a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).

Dietary intakes and dietary patterns among pregnant women in Northwest China

OBJECTIVE

To describe nutrient intakes, characterize dietary patterns and analyse their associations with sociodemographic characteristics among pregnant women in Shaanxi, China.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Twenty counties and ten districts in Shaanxi Province of Northwest China, 2013.

SUBJECTS

Women (n 7462) were recruited using a stratified multistage random sampling method to report diets during pregnancy, at 0-12 months (median 3 months; 10th-90th percentile, 0-7 months) after delivery.

RESULTS

Pregnant women had higher intakes of fat, niacin and vitamin E than the nutrient reference values, while most micronutrients such as vitamin A, folate, Ca and Zn were reportedly low. Women in the highest education, occupation and household income groups had higher nutrient intakes than those in the lowest groups. Nutrient intake differences also existed by geographic area, residence and maternal age at delivery. Three dietary patterns were identified: balanced pattern, vegetarian pattern and snacks pattern. Participants with high balanced pattern scores tended to be better educated, wealthier, 25-29 years old at delivery, working outside and living in urban areas and central Shaanxi. Women with high scores on the vegetarian pattern and snacks pattern tended to be in low balanced pattern score groups, and had lower nutrient intakes than those in the high balanced pattern score groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggested that pregnant women in Shaanxi, China had low intakes of most nutrients such as vitamin A, folate and Ca. Dietary patterns and most nutrient intakes varied by sociodemographic characteristics. Targeted programmes are needed to improve dietary intakes and dietary patterns among sociodemographically disadvantaged groups.

Absence of prenatal ultrasound surveillance: Data from the Portuguese congenital anomalies registry

BACKGROUND

In Portugal, prenatal care guidelines advocate two prenatal ultrasound scans for all pregnant women. Not following this recommendation is considered inadequate prenatal surveillance. The National Registry of Congenital Anomalies (RENAC in Portuguese) is an active population-based registry and an important instrument for the epidemiological surveillance of congenital anomalies (CA) in Portugal. Regarding pregnancies with CA, this study aims to describe the epidemiology of absent prenatal ultrasound scans and factors associated with this inadequate surveillance.

METHODS

A cross-sectional comparative study from 2008 to 2013 was carried out using data from RENAC. Associations of nonuptake of prenatal ultrasound screening with socio-demographic health behaviors and obstetric history data were evaluated using multiple logistic regression. Potential confounders were investigated and included if they changed the crude odds ratio estimate by at least 10% after adjustment by the Mantel-Haenszel method. The statistical significance level was set at 5%.

RESULTS

Overall, 6090 notifications of congenital anomalies were reported to RENAC, and 2% of the pregnant women reported no prenatal ultrasound screening surveillance. These women were on average aged 30.0 years, and 52.8% had no professional occupation. The odds of not performing an ultrasound scan during their pregnancy increased 2.47 times with lack of professional activity, 4.67 times in non-Caucasian women, and decreased 46% for any previous miscarriage.

CONCLUSION

For pregnant women who did not receive an ultrasound screening examination during pregnancy, the strongest statistically associated factors were professional occupation, ethnicity, and number of miscarriages in previous gestations. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:489-493, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pregnancy Requires Major Changes in the Quality of the Diet for Nutritional Adequacy: Simulations in the French and the United States Populations

BACKGROUND

Maternal nutrition is critical to the health of both mother and offspring, but there is a paucity of data on the nutritional adequacy of diets during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to identify to what extent pregnancy reduces the nutritional adequacy of the expecting mother's diet and if this nutritional gap can be resolved by simple quantitative or qualitative changes in the diet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the observed overall nutritional adequacy of diets of French and American women of childbearing age participating in ENNS (n = 344) and NHANES (n = 563) using the probabilistic approach of the PANDiet system, resulting in a 100-point score. Then, we simulated the changes in the PANDiet scores of women of childbearing age who would remain on their diet during pregnancy. Finally, by either increasing the quantity of consumed foods or using eleven snacks recommended during pregnancy, we simulated the effect of a 150-kcal increase in the energy intake of French women.

RESULTS

Observed PANDiet scores were equal to 59.3 ± 7.0 and 58.8 ± 9.3 points respectively in France and in the US. Simulation of pregnancy for women of childbearing age led to a decrease in nutritional adequacy for key nutrients during pregnancy and resulted in reducing PANDiet scores by 3.3 ± 0.1 and 3.7 ± 0.1 points in France and in the US. Simulated 150-kcal increases in energy intake proved to be only partially effective in filling the gap both when the quantity of food consumed was increased and when recommended snacks were used.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in nutritional adequacy induced by pregnancy cannot be addressed by simply following generic dietary guidelines.

Use of high doses of folic acid supplements in pregnant women in Spain: an INMA cohort study

OBJECTIVES

We examined the use of low (<400 μg/day, including no use) and high folic acid supplement (FAS) dosages (≥1000 μg/day) among pregnant women in Spain, and explored factors associated with the use of these non-recommended dosages.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

We analysed data from 2332 pregnant women of the INMA study, a prospective mother-child cohort study in Spain.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We assessed usual dietary folate and the use of FAS from preconception to the 3rd month (first period) and from the 4th to the 7th month (second period), using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate relative risk ratios (RRRs).

RESULTS

Over a half of the women used low dosages of FAS in the first and second period while 29% and 17% took high dosages of FAS, respectively. In the first period, tobacco smoking (RRR=1.63), alcohol intake (RRR=1.40), multiparous (RRR=1.44), unplanned pregnancy (RRR=4.20) and previous spontaneous abortion (RRR=0.58, lower use of high FAS dosages among those with previous abortions) were significantly associated with low FAS dosages. Alcohol consumption (RRR=1.42), unplanned pregnancy (RRR=2.66) and previous spontaneous abortion (RRR=0.68) were associated with high dosage use. In the second period, only tobacco smoking was significantly associated with high FAS dosage use (RRR=0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of pregnant women did not reach the recommended dosages of FAS in periconception and a considerable proportion also used FAS dosages ≥1000 μg/day. Action should be planned by the Health Care System and health professionals to improve the appropriate periconceptional use of FAS, taking into consideration the associated factors.

Use of micronutrient supplements among pregnant women in Alberta: results from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort

Maternal nutrient intake in the prenatal period is an important determinant of fetal growth and development and supports maternal health. Many women, however, fail to meet their prenatal nutrient requirements through diet alone and are therefore advised to consume nutrient supplements. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of natural health products (NHP) by pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy. Women (n = 599) participating in the first cohort of the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study completed an interviewer-administered supplement intake questionnaire during each trimester of pregnancy. NHP use was high, with >90% taking multivitamin/mineral supplements, and nearly half taking at least one additional single-nutrient supplement. Compliance with supplementation guidelines was high for folic acid (>90%), vitamin D (∼70%) and calcium (∼80%), but low for iron (<30%) and for all four nutrients together (≤11%). On average, women met or exceeded the recommended dietary allowance for folic acid, vitamin D and iron from NHPs alone, with median daily intakes of 1000 μg, 400 IU and 27 mg, respectively. The median calcium intake was 250 mg d(-1) . Up to 26% of women exceeded the tolerable upper intake level for folic acid and up to 19% did so for iron at some point of their pregnancy. Findings highlight the need to consider both dietary and supplemental sources of micronutrients when assessing the nutrient intakes of pregnant women.

Mother's education and the risk of preterm and small for gestational age birth: a DRIVERS meta-analysis of 12 European cohorts

BACKGROUND

A healthy start to life is a major priority in efforts to reduce health inequalities across Europe, with important implications for the health of future generations. There is limited combined evidence on inequalities in health among newborns across a range of European countries.

METHODS

Prospective cohort data of 75 296 newborns from 12 European countries were used. Maternal education, preterm and small for gestational age births were determined at baseline along with covariate data. Regression models were estimated within each cohort and meta-analyses were conducted to compare and measure heterogeneity between cohorts.

RESULTS

Mother's education was linked to an appreciable risk of preterm and small for gestational age (SGA) births across 12 European countries. The excess risk of preterm births associated with low maternal education was 1.48 (1.29 to 1.69) and 1.84 (0.99 to 2.69) in relative and absolute terms (Relative/Slope Index of Inequality, RII/SII) for all cohorts combined. Similar effects were found for SGA births, but absolute inequalities were greater, with an SII score of 3.64 (1.74 to 5.54). Inequalities at birth were strong in the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden and Spain and marginal in other countries studied.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the value of comparative cohort analysis to better understand the relationship between maternal education and markers of fetal growth in different settings across Europe.

Assessment of Pre-Pregnancy Dietary Intake with a Food Frequency Questionnaire in Alberta Women

PURPOSE

Pre-pregnancy is an under-examined and potentially important time to optimize dietary intake to support fetal growth and development as well as maternal health. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which dietary intake reported by non-pregnant women is similar to pre-pregnancy dietary intake reported by pregnant women using the same assessment tool.

METHODS

The self-administered, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was adapted from the Canadian version of the Diet History Questionnaire, originally developed by the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Pregnant women (n = 98) completed the FFQ which assessed dietary intake for the year prior to pregnancy. Non-pregnant women (n = 103) completed the same FFQ which assessed dietary intake for the previous year. Energy, macronutrients, and key micronutrients: long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D and iron were examined.

RESULTS

Dietary intake between groups; reported with the FFQ; was similar except for saturated fat; trans fat; calcium; and alcohol. Pregnant women reported significantly higher intakes of saturated fat; trans fat; and calcium and lower intake of alcohol in the year prior to pregnancy compared to non-pregnant women who reported intake in the previous year.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite limitations; a FFQ may be used to assist with retrospective assessment of pre-pregnancy dietary intake.

Folate and folic acid in the periconceptional period: recommendations from official health organizations in thirty-six countries worldwide and WHO

Objective

To summarize the recommendations on folate intake and folic acid supplementation and fortification in the periconceptional period, aimed at prevention of neural tube defects (NTD), provided by official health organizations in different countries worldwide and WHO.

Design

Information on recommendations for folate and folic acid intake in the periconceptional period was gathered from the websites of official national health organizations of several countries worldwide and from the WHO website.

Setting

WHO, selected developed countries and emerging economies, totalling thirty-six countries worldwide (some European, BRICS, G8, Asian Tiger/Asian Dragon and Australia).

Results

Recommendations differ between countries, although the majority (69·4 %) recommend a healthy diet plus a folic acid supplement of 400 µg/d from preconception (4–12 weeks) until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (8–12 weeks). The same recommendation is issued by the WHO. Dosages for women at high risk of NTD are up to 4–5 mg/d (for 41·7 % of studied countries). The recommended intake for folate is in the range of 300–400 µg/d for women of childbearing age and 500–600 µg/d for pregnant women in different countries and WHO. Five countries emphasize the importance of a healthy diet rendering supplementation needless. By contrast, five others advise a healthy diet and supplementation plus mandatory fortification. Only one mentions the importance of ensuring an adequate folate status and refers to checking with a health-care provider on the need for supplements.

Conclusions

Different recommendations regarding folate and folic acid, seeking NTD prevention, are available worldwide; however, most countries and WHO focus on a healthy diet and folic acid supplementation of 400 µg/d periconceptionally.

An epidemiologic study of mitochondrial membrane transporter protein gene polymorphism and risk factors for neural tube defects in Shanxi, China

The present study involved a questionnaire survey of 156 mothers that gave birth to children with neural tube defects or had a history of pregnancy resulting in children with neural tube defects (case group) and 156 control mothers with concurrent healthy children (control group) as well as detection of mitochondrial membrane transporter protein gene [uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2)] polymorphism. The maternal UCP2 3’ untranslated region (UTR) D/D genotype and D allele frequency were significantly higher in the case group compared with the control group (odds ratio (OR) 3.233; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.103–9.476; P = 0.040; OR: 3.484; 95% CI: for neural tube defects 2.109–5.753; P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factors for neural tube defects showed that a maternal UCP2 3’ UTR D/D genotype was negatively interacted with the mothers’ consumption of frequent fresh fruit and vegetables (S = 0.007), positively interacted with the mothers’ frequency of germinated potato consumption (S = 2.15) and positively interacted with the mothers’ body mass index (S = 3.50). These findings suggest that maternal UCP2 3’ UTR gene polymorphism, pregnancy time, consumption of germinated potatoes and body mass index are associated with an increased risk for neural tube defects in children from mothers living in Shanxi province, China. Moreover, there is an apparent gene-environment interaction involved in the development of neural tube defects in offspring.

Greek pregnant women demonstrate inadequate micronutrient intake despite supplement use

BACKGROUND/AIM

Maternal diet is important in the outcome of pregnancy and the health of the children. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy and define the maternal characteristics associated with supplement use.

METHODS

The diet of 100 childbearing women was recorded for three consecutive days and micronutrient supplementation was added to the dietary intake and the median values were used in the analyses.

RESULTS

The majority of the participants (92%) consumed at least one supplement. Supplementation of folic acid (FA) was significantly lower during the third trimester compared to the second (p ≤ .007). Higher intake of Ca and Fe supplements was observed in the second trimester (p ≤ .001). The use of supplements contributed to an attenuated consumption of all reported micronutrients (Mg, Ca, FA, and Fe, p ≤ .001). The principal components analysis revealed that the most important factor contributing to supplementation was primiparity.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, a high prevalence of micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy was observed without ensuring adequacy in the micronutrient intake. The increased rates of supplement users might be the result of an act for balancing diet in unplanned pregnancies.

Changes in beverage consumption from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy in the Norwegian Fit for Delivery study

OBJECTIVE

To describe changes in consumption of different types of beverages from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy, and to examine associations with maternal age, educational level and BMI.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional design. Participants answered an FFQ at inclusion into a randomized controlled trial, the Fit for Delivery (FFD) trial, in median gestational week 15 (range: 9-20), reporting current consumption and in retrospect how often they drank the different beverages pre-pregnancy.

SETTING

Eight local antenatal clinics in southern Norway from September 2009 to February 2013.

SUBJECTS

Five hundred and seventy-five healthy pregnant nulliparous women.

RESULTS

Pre-pregnancy, 27 % reported drinking alcohol at least once weekly, compared with none in early pregnancy (P<0.001). The percentage of women drinking coffee (38 % v. 10 %, P<0.001), sugar-sweetened beverages (10 % v. 6 %, P=0.011) and artificially sweetened beverages (12 % v. 9 %, P=0.001) at least daily decreased significantly from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy, while the percentage of women who reported to drink water (85 % v. 92 %, P<0.001), fruit juice (14 % v. 20 %, P=0.001) and milk (37 % v. 42 %, P=0.001) at least daily increased significantly. From pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy higher educated women reduced their consumption frequency of coffee significantly more than women with lower education. Older women reduced their consumption frequency of coffee and artificially sweetened beverages and increased their consumption frequency of fruit juice and milk significantly more than younger women.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant change in beverage consumption from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy among Norwegian nulliparous women.