Asthma control in pregnancy is associated with pre-conception dietary patterns

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pulmonology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Asthma affects pregnant women, potentially impacting maternal and fetal health.
• Pre-conception lifestyle factors, including diet, may influence pregnancy outcomes.
• Understanding dietary influences on asthma control during pregnancy is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate pre-conception dietary patterns in pregnant women with asthma.
• To determine the association between maternal diet and asthma control during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 158 pregnant women with asthma.
• Retrospective collection of pre-conception food frequency data.
• Factor analysis to identify dietary patterns; logistic regression to assess asthma control associations.

Main Results:

• Three dietary patterns identified: 'high protein/fruit', 'high fat/sugar/takeaway', and 'vegetarian-type'.
• A 'high fat/sugar/takeaway' pattern was linked to a higher likelihood of uncontrolled asthma (OR=1.54).
• Women with uncontrolled asthma consumed more saturated fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates.

Conclusions:

• Pre-pregnancy dietary patterns can influence asthma control during pregnancy.
• A healthy diet, low in saturated fat, sugar, and takeaway foods, is recommended before and during pregnancy.
• Promoting healthy eating in women of childbearing age with asthma is important for maternal health.