Maternal vegetable intake during and after pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Understanding changes in vegetable intake from pregnancy to postpartum is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Establishing healthy home food environments is a key goal for maternal and child well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze shifts in maternal vegetable consumption between pregnancy and the postpartum period.
• To identify maternal and sociodemographic factors associated with these dietary changes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 847 healthy mothers (ages 18-43).
• Dietary intake assessed using a modified National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire.
• Four intake groups defined: improved, stable inadequate, reduced, and stable adequate vegetable consumption.

Main Results:

• Women with reduced vegetable intake were more likely to have lower pregnancy weight gain and be employed full-time.
• Employed, lower-income women showed higher odds of reduced vegetable intake, which was mitigated by paid maternity leave.
• Smoking was lower in women with improved vegetable intake.

Conclusions:

• Lower income and full-time employment are associated with reduced vegetable intake postpartum.
• Enhanced access to paid maternity leave could potentially decrease vegetable intake disparities between income groups.