Diet, Weight Status, and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Native and Migrant Women in Jersey, Channel Islands

Background/Objectives: The nutrition and lifestyle choices made during pregnancy significantly impact the long-term health of both mother and child. This observational study, conducted at the Jersey Maternity Unit, investigated how maternal diet and weight influence delivery outcomes and newborn feeding methods among 81 pregnant women. The aim of the study was to assess whether maternal diet, weight changes, and infant feeding practices vary according to ethnicity and duration of residence in Jersey, in order to inform culturally sensitive health improvement strategies. Methods: The FFQ was used to characterise the diet before and during pregnancy. Diet quality was assessed by the 9-item aMED score. Data on anthropometric measurements (including gestational weight gain, GWG), socioeconomic characteristics, and infant feeding methods (including breastfeeding rates) were collected. Results: The statistical analyses evaluate differences and distribution of data in the groups of women based on the ethnicity and period the mothers had lived on the island. For all the women, there were significant changes in the weight gained at week 28 compared to weeks 8 and 12 (+8.0 (4.0; 12.1) kg, p ≤ 0.001), as well as the period before pregnancy until the 34th week of gestation (+11.9 (8.0; 12.1) kg, p ≤ 0.001). The intake of low-fat dairy, whole grains, and fruit changed through the gestation period and differed between pregnant women with different periods of island residence. There were no changes in the aMED score and adherence. Conclusions: Maternal weight gain followed a consistent pattern during pregnancy, whereas dietary behaviours-particularly the consumption of key food groups-varied by cultural background and length of residence. These findings emphasise the need for culturally sensitive antenatal care and tailored nutrition strategies to improve maternal outcomes, support breastfeeding, and reduce long-term health risks for mothers and children in Jersey's multicultural population.