Relationship of the intake of different food groups by pregnant mothers with the birth weight and gestational age: Need for public and individual educational programs
Volume 5, Issue 2, Winter 2015, Pages 1-6
. Zahra Akbari, . Marjan Mansourian, . Roya Kelishadi
Abstract Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the intake of
different food groups by pregnant mothers and neonatal low birth weight and premature
births. Materials and Methods: In this cohort, the target population was 225 pregnant women,
randomly selected from different geographical areas of the city of Isfahan, Iran (from April to
September, 2012). The main variables in the study were weight and gestational age of the
neonates and the type and amount of different food groups used by the mothers. All nutritional
variables were compared according to different groups of infants (normal, premature, and low
birth weight). In the multivariate analysis, multiple linear and logistic regression models were
used to identify those different food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) variables independently
associated with the newborn’s weight and gestational age, adjusted by maternal consumption
of calcium supplementation, folic acid, and omega‑3, during pregnancy. Results: A total
of 214 (47.7% boys) infants with complete information were included. They had a mean
gestational age of 38.72 ± 1.2 weeks. The mean birth weight was 3.11 ± 0.384 kg. The
percentages of premature and low birth weight (LBW) infants were 7 and 5%, respectively. At
multiple logistic regression controlling for potentially confounding factors that were significantly
associated with prematurity and LBW at univariate analysis (maternal consumption of calcium
supplementation, folic acid, and omega‑3, during pregnancy), type of nutritional groups
containing dairy products, proteins, fish, and shrimp group, as well as fruits and vegetables,
had a significant positive association with increasing the gestational age (P < 0.05). The group
that consumed proteins, fish, and shrimp, as well as fruits and vegetables had a significant
positive association with the newborn’s weight (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated
the importance of proper nutrition on reducing the rates of LBW and premature births.
Comprehensive educational programs at
individual and public levels are warranted in
this regard.