Poor Diet Before Pregnancy may Increase the Risk of Preterm Birth

Staying fit through diet and exercise during pregnancy can help prevent future complications before and after the baby is born. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute shows that women who have a particularly poor diet before they become pregnant are up to 50 percent more likely to have a preterm birth than those who regularly follow a healthy diet.

For the study, researchers examined more than 300 South Australian women to determine their eating habits before pregnancy. The study authors note that this is one of the first studies to assess how nutrition before conception affects pregnancy.

Findings showed that women who consistently ate a diet high in protein and fruit prior to pregnancy were less likely to have a preterm birth, while those who consistently ate a high fat diet with more sugar were at a 50 percent increased risk for preterm birth.

"Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant disease and death and occurs in approximately one in 10 pregnancies globally. Anything we can do to better understand the conditions that lead to preterm birth will be important in helping to improve survival and long-term health outcomes for children," said the lead author of the paper, Dr Jessica Grieger, Posdoctoral Research Fellow with the Robinson Research Institute, based at the Lyell McEwin Hospital, via a press release.

"In our study, women who ate protein-rich foods including lean meats, fish and chicken, as well as fruit, whole grains and vegetables, had significantly lower risk of preterm birth.

"On the other hand, women who consumed mainly discretionary foods, such as takeaway, potato chips, cakes, biscuits, and other foods high in saturated fat and sugar were more likely to have babies born preterm," Dr Grieger added, via the release.

"It is important to consume a healthy diet before as well as during pregnancy to support the best outcomes for the mum and baby."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Nutrition.