Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Cardiovascular Risk in Pregnant Women

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nutritional Science
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Maternal nutrition significantly impacts pregnancy outcomes and fetal development.
• Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors during pregnancy require careful monitoring.
• The Mediterranean dietary (MedDiet) pattern is associated with various health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between adherence to the MedDiet and CV risk factors in pregnant women.
• To identify dietary patterns contributing to CV risk during pregnancy.
• To provide insights for improving maternal nutrition for better pregnancy health.

Main Methods:

• An observational, population-based study was conducted using data from pregnant women.
• Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using the MedDiet score questionnaire.
• Data collected included lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity) and pre-pregnancy weight.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of diet-related CV risk was observed in 87.25% of pregnant women.
• Women with CV risk were more likely to smoke, have higher pre-pregnancy weight, and engage in less physical activity.
• Lower adherence to the MedDiet was noted in women with CV risk, with inadequate consumption of cereals, vegetables, and fish.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of pregnant women exhibit CV risk linked to dietary intake.
• Adherence to the MedDiet, particularly consumption of cereals, vegetables, and fish, needs improvement during pregnancy.
• Enhancing MedDiet adherence may be a strategy to reduce CV risk in pregnant populations.