Factors associated with adherence to nutritional recommendations before and during pregnancy

Several epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the value of balanced nutrition during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the degree of adherence to nutritional recommendations among 1,175 pregnant Spanish women and the factors associated with such adherence to pre-pregnancy and during the first half of pregnancy. Data were collected during June 2004-March 2007 and included socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using logistic regression models to identify factors associated with adherence to dietary recommendations. Before pregnancy, slightly less than one quarter of the pregnant women (21 percent) did not meet the recommended intake of both vegetables and cereals, and 50 percent did not meet the recommended intake of fruits. Yet most of the participants exceeded the recommended values for proteins. During pregnancy, the adherence for all food types decreased. Factors associated with adherence to the nutritional recommendations were similar before and during pregnancy. Adherence to the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition dietary recommendations was lower among pregnant women who were younger, from a low social class, smokers, and had a low level of physical activity. These findings suggest that nutritional education should become an essential part of antenatal care.