DOI: 10.32322/jhsm.1707830 ISSN: 2636-8579

Dietary macronutrient composition and perinatal outcomes according to pre-pregnancy BMI

Ayşe Çiğdem Bayrak, Recep Taha Ağaoğlu
Show PDF Cite
Aims: Dietary habits and nutritional balance during pregnancy have been linked to maternal and neonatal well-being. This study aimed to compare the quantity and distribution of dietary macronutrient intake among pregnant women with varying pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories, to evaluate their nutritional habits, and to explore the potential impact of these factors on perinatal outcomes. Methods: This prospective study included 120 pregnant women between 24-28 weeks of gestation who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. Participants were divided into two groups based on pre-pregnancy BMI: those with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2, classified as having normal weight, and those with a BMI between 30 and 39.9 kg/m2, classified as having obesity. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, or pre-existing metabolic disorders were excluded. Daily dietary intake was assessed using 72-hour food diaries, which included detailed information on the timing and content of six daily meals (three main and three snacks), the types and amounts of foods and beverages consumed, preparation methods, and the location of each meal. Perinatal outcomes, including gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, were recorded and compared between groups. Results: Sixty participants were included in each group. The mean daily energy intake was higher among women with obesity (2117.1 kcal vs. 2004.6 kcal), with a significantly greater proportion of energy derived from carbohydrates (51.7% vs. 44.6%; p=0.026). Weight gain during pregnancy was significantly higher in women with obesity across all trimesters. Based on participants’ self-reports, physical activity levels decreased with advancing gestation in both groups, though the difference between groups was not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in gestational age at delivery, birth weight, or Apgar scores. However, NICU admission was more frequent among women with obesity (9 cases vs. 2 cases; p=0.046). Conclusion: Pregnant women with higher pre-pregnancy BMI demonstrated greater carbohydrate intake and increased weight gain throughout pregnancy, potentially indicating elevated metabolic risk. Balanced macronutrient intake and early monitoring of gestational weight gain may be essential components of antenatal care. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and support tailored nutritional interventions in this population.

More from our Archive