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Advances in Nutrition during Pregnancy
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Advances in Nutrition during Pregnancy

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition in Women".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 17367

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Patrick M. Catalano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School Of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
2. Tufts University Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
3. The Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
Interests: maternal metabolism in women whose pregnancies are complicated by diabetes and obesity; short- and long-term effects on mothers and their children
Prof. Dr. Anna Maria Marconi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo-San Paolo University Hospital, 20142 Milan, Italy
Interests: transplacental passage of nutrients; obesity in pregnancy; gestational diabetes; vegan, vegetarian diet in pregnancy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is no doubt that the interest and importance of nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in the preconception period have grown considerably in the last 30 years, due to the impact they have on the present and future health of both the mother and the child. We now know that if intrauterine nutritional demands are not met, the consequences will be not only lifelong but intergenerational. In addition to this, we have witnessed, from the postwar period to today, significant changes in eating habits, and if on one hand obesity has become a real pandemic, on the other, the number of people suffering from hunger in the world is continuously increasing. The idea that the supplementation of multi-micronutrient complexes during pregnancy can compensate for the quality of food is still widespread among pregnant women and obstetricians. Moreover, the number of subjects who, for various reasons, choose to follow alternative diets, more frequently vegetarian or vegan, is constantly increasing, even during pregnancy but often with do-it-yourself methods, which do not take into consideration the nutritional needs of the product of conception. In conclusion, we will talk about the news in the field of nutrition during pregnancy, from the recommendations regarding the necessary micronutrient supplements in relation to the type of diet and pregnancy. We will see how nutrition can improve the wellbeing of mother and baby but also what the optimal diet is to improve fertility and during breastfeeding.

We welcome the submission of all types of manuscripts, including original research articles and up-to-date reviews and meta-analyses.

Prof. Dr. Patrick M. Catalano
Prof. Dr. Anna Maria Marconi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • obesity
  • vegetarian/vegan
  • micronutrients
  • twin pregnancy
  • fertility
  • gestational weight gain
  • breastfeeding

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1085 KiB  
Article
Eating Patterns during Pregnancy and Postpartum and Their Association with Diet Quality and Energy Intake
by Carolina Schwedhelm, Leah M. Lipsky, Chelsie D. Temmen and Tonja R. Nansel
Nutrients 2022, 14(6), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14061167 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4269
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between meal-specific eating patterns during pregnancy and postpartum with maternal diet quality and energy intake. Participants in a prospective cohort study completed 24-h dietary recalls three times throughout both pregnancy and 1 year postpartum (n = 420). [...] Read more.
This study investigates the relationship between meal-specific eating patterns during pregnancy and postpartum with maternal diet quality and energy intake. Participants in a prospective cohort study completed 24-h dietary recalls three times throughout both pregnancy and 1 year postpartum (n = 420). Linear regressions estimated the associations of eating frequency (number of daily main meals and eating occasions), meal and energy regularity (meal skipping and variation of daily energy intake), and intake timing patterns (distribution of energy intake throughout the day, derived using principal component analysis) with daily energy intake and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-2015, calculated daily and overall, across both pregnancy and postpartum). Eating frequency was positively associated with energy intake and daily diet quality. Irregular meals were associated with lower energy intake in pregnancy but not postpartum and with lower pregnancy and postpartum diet quality. Energy irregularity was not associated with energy intake or diet quality. Higher postpartum diet quality was associated with a morning energy intake pattern (versus late morning/early afternoon or evening). Differences in these associations between pregnancy and postpartum suggest that efforts to support optimal energy intake and diet quality by modifying eating patterns may require specific strategies for pregnancy and postpartum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nutrition during Pregnancy)
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10 pages, 263 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with Beverage Intake in Low-Income, Overweight, or Obese Pregnant Women
by Mei-Wei Chang, Chyongchiou J. Lin, Rebecca E. Lee, Duane T. Wegener, Jie Hu and Karen Patricia Williams
Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040840 - 17 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
This study examined consumption proportions and factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), and 100% fruit juice (FJ) consumption. We recruited Non-Hispanic Black (n = 136) and White (n = 192) low-income overweight or obese pregnant women aged [...] Read more.
This study examined consumption proportions and factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), and 100% fruit juice (FJ) consumption. We recruited Non-Hispanic Black (n = 136) and White (n = 192) low-income overweight or obese pregnant women aged 18 to 46 years (mean = 25.7 years) from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children clinics in Michigan, USA. Independent variables included weight status, trimester, smoking, stress, education, employment, race, and age. Dependent variables were high (consuming ≥ 1 serving/day) versus low consumptions of SSB, ASB, and 100% FJ. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to examine factors associated with beverage consumption. Out of the sample, 48.2%, 6.7%, and 31.3% reported high SSB, ASB, and 100% FJ consumption, respectively. SSB consumption was associated with smoking (OR: 3.77, p < 0.001), education (OR: 0.57, p = 0.03), and race (OR: 1.69, p = 0.03). Artificially sweetened beverage consumption was not associated with any factors examined. One hundred percent FJ consumption was associated with stress (OR: 0.90, p = 0.03) and race (OR: 4.48, p < 0.001). Clinicians may advocate for reductions in SSB and 100% FJ consumption tailored to client consumption characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nutrition during Pregnancy)
16 pages, 994 KiB  
Article
Perceptions of Tailored Dietary Advice to Improve the Nutrient Adequacy of the Diet in French Pregnant Women
by Clélia M. Bianchi, François Mariotti, Elodie Reulet, Gaëlle Le Goff, Anne Lluch, Eric O. Verger, Jean-François Huneau and Patricia Gurviez
Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010085 - 25 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3025
Abstract
Tailored dietary counseling could be specifically efficient during pregnancy, a period accompanied by a rise in nutrition awareness, but little is known about the expectations of pregnant women in this regard. We studied these expectations regarding tailored dietary advice in French women during [...] Read more.
Tailored dietary counseling could be specifically efficient during pregnancy, a period accompanied by a rise in nutrition awareness, but little is known about the expectations of pregnant women in this regard. We studied these expectations regarding tailored dietary advice in French women during their pregnancy, as well as their motivations and the perceived barriers and enablers. In French pregnant women, we evaluated the perceptions of tailored dietary advice provided by stepwise dietary counseling based on three types of dietary changes, consisting of: (1) a modification of the amounts consumed, (2) substitutions within the food subgroups, and (3) substitutions between food subgroups. A sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was designed. Using qualitative data from a focus group study (n = 40), we intended to explore in depth the women’s expectations regarding dietary advice and adherence to a tailored approach. These were combined with quantitative and qualitative data from a 6-week online longitudinal study (n = 115), using questionnaires designed to assess the modifications of dietary habits during pregnancy and to evaluate each type of dietary change. Both studies confirmed that most women in our samples did indeed intend to institute changes regarding healthier dietary practices during pregnancy. The principal motivation behind changes to their habits was to ensure the health and well-being of both their babies and themselves. The proposal of dietary advice that is tailored to both the current diet and the specific needs of pregnant women, but that is also positive and credible, was perceived as enabling implementing healthier dietary practices during pregnancy. Regarding the implementation of the dietary changes proposed, the enablers and barriers identified differed between modifications of the amounts consumed and substitutions. The women displayed interest in all types of dietary changes. This gave relevance to combining different types of changes in order to propose dietary counseling during pregnancy. Tailored dietary counseling was identified by French pregnant women in our samples as enabling them to adopt a healthier diet. However, perceived barriers might limit the implementation of dietary changes, especially when they involved marked modifications to their usual diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nutrition during Pregnancy)
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14 pages, 766 KiB  
Article
Influence of Dietary Behaviors on Dyslipidemia in Pregnant Women and Its Effects on Physical Development of Fetuses and Infants: A Bidirectional Cohort Study
by Chenyang Li, Xuening Li, Dan Wu, Qi Chen, Zhe Xiao, Deliang Wen, Lingling Zhai and Lihong Jia
Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3398; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103398 - 27 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2547
Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes can alter the trajectory of fetal development, but there are few studies on the effects of abnormal lipid metabolism on physical development of infants. We aimed to explore the prevalence of maternal dyslipidemia, its influencing factors and effects on the [...] Read more.
Background: Gestational diabetes can alter the trajectory of fetal development, but there are few studies on the effects of abnormal lipid metabolism on physical development of infants. We aimed to explore the prevalence of maternal dyslipidemia, its influencing factors and effects on the physical development of fetuses and infants, as well as the role of leptin in this process. Methods: Questionnaire surveys and main outcome measures were administered among 338 pairs of pregnant women and newborns. Results: The detection rate of maternal dyslipidemia was 31.5%. The median levels of TG (triglyceride) and TG/HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio were higher in large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns. Birth weight was positively related to infants’ height and weight at six months and one year old (p < 0.05). Leptin was positively related to TG levels of pregnant women and newborns’ birth weight (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that having greater than or equal to four meals a day (OR = 6.552, 95%CI = 1.014–42.338) and liking to eat lightly flavored food during pregnancy (OR = 1.887, 95%CI = 1.048–3.395) were independent risk factors of maternal dyslipidemia. Conclusions: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was relatively high in pregnant women and was affected by dietary behaviors. Abnormal lipid levels during pregnancy could affect weight and length at birth, which might be associated with increasing leptin levels in cord blood, and then the weight of infants would be influenced by birth weight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nutrition during Pregnancy)
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Review

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24 pages, 1291 KiB  
Review
Metabolic Consequences of Glucocorticoid Exposure before Birth
by Abigail L. Fowden, Owen R. Vaughan, Andrew J. Murray and Alison J. Forhead
Nutrients 2022, 14(11), 2304; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112304 - 30 May 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4561
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have an important role in development of the metabolic phenotype in utero. They act as environmental and maturational signals in adapting feto-placental metabolism to maximize the chances of survival both before and at birth. They influence placental nutrient handling and fetal metabolic [...] Read more.
Glucocorticoids have an important role in development of the metabolic phenotype in utero. They act as environmental and maturational signals in adapting feto-placental metabolism to maximize the chances of survival both before and at birth. They influence placental nutrient handling and fetal metabolic processes to support fetal growth, fuel storage and energy production with respect to nutrient availability. More specifically, they regulate the transport, utilization and production of a range of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues that enables greater metabolic flexibility in utero while minimizing any further drain on maternal resources during periods of stress. Near term, the natural rise in fetal glucocorticoid concentrations also stimulates key metabolic adaptations that prepare tissues for the new energy demanding functions after birth. Glucocorticoids, therefore, have a central role in the metabolic communication between the mother, placenta and fetus that optimizes offspring metabolic phenotype for survival to reproductive age. This review discusses the effects of maternal and fetal glucocorticoids on the supply and utilization of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues with particular emphasis on studies using quantitative methods to assess metabolism in rodents and sheep in vivo during late pregnancy. It considers the routes of glucocorticoid overexposure in utero, including experimental administration of synthetic glucocorticoids, and the mechanisms by which these hormones control feto-placental metabolism at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. It also briefly examines the consequences of intrauterine glucocorticoid overexposure for postnatal metabolic health and the generational inheritance of metabolic phenotype. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nutrition during Pregnancy)
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