. Zahra Akbari; . Marjan Mansourian; . Roya Kelishadi
Volume 5, Issue 2 , March 2015, , Pages 1-6
Abstract
Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the intake ofdifferent food groups by pregnant mothers and neonatal low birth weight and prematurebirths. ...
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Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the intake ofdifferent food groups by pregnant mothers and neonatal low birth weight and prematurebirths. 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 toSeptember, 2012). The main variables in the study were weight and gestational age of theneonates and the type and amount of different food groups used by the mothers. All nutritionalvariables were compared according to different groups of infants (normal, premature, and lowbirth weight). In the multivariate analysis, multiple linear and logistic regression models wereused to identify those different food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) variables independentlyassociated with the newborn’s weight and gestational age, adjusted by maternal consumptionof calcium supplementation, folic acid, and omega‑3, during pregnancy. Results: A totalof 214 (47.7% boys) infants with complete information were included. They had a meangestational age of 38.72 ± 1.2 weeks. The mean birth weight was 3.11 ± 0.384 kg. Thepercentages of premature and low birth weight (LBW) infants were 7 and 5%, respectively. Atmultiple logistic regression controlling for potentially confounding factors that were significantlyassociated with prematurity and LBW at univariate analysis (maternal consumption of calciumsupplementation, folic acid, and omega‑3, during pregnancy), type of nutritional groupscontaining 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 groupthat consumed proteins, fish, and shrimp, as well as fruits and vegetables had a significantpositive association with the newborn’s weight (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicatedthe importance of proper nutrition on reducing the rates of LBW and premature births.Comprehensive educational programs atindividual and public levels are warranted inthis regard.
