Effect of maternal diet quality in early pregnancy on infant anthropometry at birth and at six months of age.
Izabela da Silva Santos, Mariana Rinaldi Carvalho, Naiara Franco Baroni et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of maternal diet quality during early pregnancy on infant anthropometric outcomes at birth and six months among 238 overweight Brazilian women. Higher maternal diet quality, as measured by the Diet Quality Index Adapted for Pregnant Women, was positively associated with increased birth weight (β = 12.311; p = 0.001) and length, while inversely related to low birth weight and small for gestational age.
Key findings
- Higher maternal diet quality was associated with increased birth weight (β = 12.311; p = 0.001).
- Maternal diet quality inversely correlated with low birth weight (β = -0.007; p < 0.001).
- At six months, better diet quality was linked to increased infant length (β = 0.061; p = 0.004).
- No significant associations were found with other neonatal indicators.
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between maternal diet quality and infant growth can inform prenatal care practices. Improved dietary guidance may enhance fetal and infant health outcomes, particularly in populations with higher rates of overweight and obesity.