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Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy for the Prevention of Pregnancy Complications

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2020) | Viewed by 28428

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Danielle Schoenaker

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Guest Editor

School of Medicine and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Interests: Nutrition; Gestational Diabetes; Cardiometabolic Health; Pre-conception; Primary Prevention; Epidemiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pregnancy complications provide insight into women’s future health risks and have immediate and long-term implications for maternal and child health. Maternal nutrition is an important determinant of the health of the mother and of the developing foetus during pregnancy. Despite the growing knowledge on this topic, there remains a lack of understanding of the nature, timing and causal pathways of the effects of dietary intake and interventions on health outcomes in pregnancy. New research is therefore needed to advance our understanding of maternal nutrition—before, during and between pregnancies—to optimise health outcomes of women and children.

This Special Issue aims to bring together the latest research on the role of nutrition in the prevention of pregnancy complications. Studies on the underlying epigenetic, physiological and behavioural mechanisms of these relationships are particularly encouraged. Studies on a broad range of nutrition factors, including nutrients, foods, dietary patterns and behaviours, are warranted. Pregnancy complications include, but are not limited to, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, antenatal depression, excessive gestational weight gain and stillbirth. This Special Issue may include original research, narrative reviews and systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Dr. Danielle Schoenaker
Guest Editor

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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

Nutrition
Diet
Pregnancy
Pre-conception
Inter-conception
Pregnancy outcomes
Prevention

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in Relation to Coffee and Tea Consumption: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study

by Yoko Kawanishi, Aiko Kakigano, Takashi Kimura, Satoyo Ikehara, Takuyo Sato, Takuji Tomimatsu, Tadashi Kimura, Hiroyasu Iso and on behalf of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group

Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020343 - 24 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3662

Abstract

Background: The association between coffee/tea intake and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of caffeine, coffee, and tea intake during pregnancy with the risk of HDP. Methods: We assessed this association in 85,533 singleton pregnant women with live births in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a prospective cohort in Japan that included women from early pregnancy onward. Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea (green, oolong, and black) consumption during pregnancy was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire conducted at mid-pregnancy, and caffeine intake was calculated based on coffee and tea consumption. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association with the risk of HDP. Results: HDP developed in 2222 women (2.6%). Caffeine intake was weakly associated with increased risk of HDP; the multivariable odds ratio of HDP for the highest versus the lowest quartile was 1.26 (95% confidence interval: 1.11, 1.43). Coffee drinkers of two or more cups per day showed a decreased risk compared with non-drinkers (multivariable odds ratio 0.79; 0.62, 0.99) even after adjustment for total caffeine intake. Tea consumption was not associated with the risk of HDP. Conclusions: Our study suggests that higher caffeine intake may increase HDP risk, while coffee drinkers had a lower risk. Further high-quality studies are needed to replicate these findings, and to elucidate if other substances in coffee may be protective against HDP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy for the Prevention of Pregnancy Complications)

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12 pages, 414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of a Semi-Quantitative Food-Frequency Questionnaire for Dutch Pregnant Women from the General Population Using the Method or Triads

by Trudy Voortman, Régine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Nienke E. Bergen, Vincent W. V. Jaddoe, Caspar W. N. Looman, Jessica C. Kiefte-de Jong and Sarah Schalekamp-Timmermans

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051341 - 8 May 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3125

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to validate a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for Dutch pregnant women, against three 24 h-recalls and blood concentrations of B-vitamins and fatty acids, using the method of triads. Methods: We included 83 pregnant women from the general population of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, at a median gestational age of 15.6 weeks. Participants completed three non-consecutive 24 h-recalls, and subsequently filled out the 293-item FFQ. Participants provided blood samples from which we analyzed serum folate and vitamin B12, as well as red blood cell folate, linoleic acid, and total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Results: Estimated energy intake did not differ between the FFQ and 24 h-recalls. Deattenuated Pearson’s correlation coefficients, between energy-adjusted nutrient intake estimates from the FFQ and the 24 h-recalls, ranged from 0.41 (fat) to 0.88 (fiber) for macronutrients, and were around 0.6 for most micronutrients, except for vitamin E (0.27). Using the triad method, we obtained validity coefficients of 0.86 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.36, 1.00) for serum folate, 0.86 (95% CI 0.18, 1.00) for red blood cell folate, and 1.00 (95% CI 0.42, 1.00) for vitamin B12. Validity coefficients for serum fatty acids ranged from 0.22 to 0.67. Conclusion: This FFQ is a reliable tool for estimating intake of energy, macronutrients, folate and vitamin B12 among women in mid-pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy for the Prevention of Pregnancy Complications)

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11 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship of Nutritional Energy and Macronutrient Intake with Pregnancy Outcomes in Czech Pregnant Women

by Simona Najpaverova, Miroslav Kovarik, Marian Kacerovsky, Zdenek Zadak and Miloslav Hronek

Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041152 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3893

Abstract

Maternal nutrition and metabolism play important roles for the well-being of both mother and fetus during pregnancy. This longitudinal study brings an original evaluation of the relationship between the nutritional energy and macronutrients intake (NEMI) and pregnancy outcomes and an assessment of the changes in such intake over the previous ten years. Sixty-five healthy Czech pregnant women were examined in three pregnancy periods (1st: 17th–27th; 2nd: 28th–35th; 3rd: 36th–38th gestational weeks). Results of 7-day dietary records were analyzed using NutriDan software. Energy intake decreased from 30.0 kcal/kg to 25.0 kcal/kg during pregnancy. The data also showed a decrease in macronutrients intake (p < 0.0001) with the advancing stage of pregnancy. Positive correlations were demonstrated between NEMI and birth weight (r = 0.410, p < 0.001). In the second pregnancy period, NEMI (excluding carbohydrates) positively associated with neonatal birth length (p < 0.01) and negatively with duration of birth (p < 0.05). An increased NEMI in the last period of pregnancy shortened the length of pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy for the Prevention of Pregnancy Complications)

12 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selenium, Zinc, and Manganese Status in Pregnant Women and Its Relation to Maternal and Child Complications

by Sehar Iqbal, Inayat Ali, Petra Rust, Michael Kundi and Cem Ekmekcioglu

Nutrients 2020, 12(3), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030725 - 10 Mar 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4494

Abstract

Micronutrients, as essential components of prenatal care, are important to reduce the risk for maternal and child morbidity and mortality by lowering pregnancy-related complications. The present study aimed to investigate the status of the trace elements, i.e., selenium, zinc, and manganese in pregnant and non-pregnant women from a developing country and to evaluate its relationship with maternal and child complications. Selenium, zinc, and manganese concentrations were measured in the blood serum of 80 pregnant women and compared with 40 non-pregnant healthy controls. The quantitative analyses of trace elements were performed by using the inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The information about the dietary habits of the study participants was recorded by using a food frequency questionnaire. The results showed significant lower selenium and zinc levels in pregnant women as compared to the controls (2.26 ± 1.09 vs. 2.76 ± 1.15 µmol/L, p = 0.031; 21.86 ± 7.21 vs. 29.54 ± 7.62 µmol/L, p < 0.001) respectively, with no difference in manganese concentrations (1.40 ± 0.09 vs.1.38 ± 0.09 log₁₀ nmol/L, p = 0.365). Regarding maternal and child complications, higher manganese levels were associated with an increased odds ratio for maternal complications (OR = 3.175, CI (95%) 1.631−6.181; p = 0.038). Consumption of dairy products was associated with lower selenium and manganese values. Pregnant women showed a lower serum selenium and zinc status, and in addition elevated serum manganese concentrations, which might be associated with a higher risk for maternal pregnancy/birth complications, although more studies are necessary to evaluate this association. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy for the Prevention of Pregnancy Complications)

16 pages, 897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Knowledge and Myths Vary by Age and Years of Schooling in Pregnant Mexico City Residents

by Reyna Sámano, Citlali Lara-Cervantes, Hugo Martínez-Rojano, Gabriela Chico-Barba, Bernarda Sánchez-Jiménez, Orly Lokier, María Hernández-Trejo, Juan Manuel Grosso and Solange Heller

Nutrients 2020, 12(2), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020362 - 30 Jan 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3464

Abstract

Pregnancy is a stage in a woman’s life when she is more open to receiving health advice, especially related to diet. However, women are often caught between receiving scientifically unfounded myths and concrete empirical knowledge. Culturally perpetuated myths may be acted upon more than knowledge, but research on these concepts, especially in the Americas, is scarce. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the frequency of diet and nutrition myths and knowledge and describe the associated factors in pregnant mothers receiving care in Mexico City. A total of 695 pregnant adults and 322 pregnant adolescents participated in this study, in which they responded to a questionnaire on nutrition and diet myths, knowledge, and practice during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The myths were examined individually, but for the purposes of statistical analysis, a score was obtained. We compared means of variables that could be associated to myth and knowledge scores, then calculated linear and logistical regressions. Forty-six percent of participants had below the mean myth scores. Ninety-two percent of participants had a knowledge score below the mean. Age (β = 0.025, SE 0.007, 95% CI 0.011–0.040, p = 0.001) and years of education (β = 0.166, SE 0.024, 95% CI 0.119–0.213, p = 0.001) explained the myth’s score, while age explained the knowledge score (β = 0.011, SE 0.020, 95% CI −0.032–−0.008, p = 0.002). We found that although most women reported not believing in the myths, they acted on them. The probability of practicing such myths as “You must eat for two during pregnancy” was associated with being an adolescent (OR 1.76, p = 0.001) and being married (OR 1.47, p = 0.007), “Not satisfying cravings leave a mark on the infant’s body” with being adolescent (OR 1.59, p = 0.003) and low socioeconomic level (OR 1.41, p = 0.038), “A frightened or angry mother should not nurse her baby” with being adult (OR 2.61, p = 0.004), and “Drinking atole or beer enhances breast milk production” with being single (OR 2.07, p = 0.001). The probability of not acting on some knowledge was associated with being an adolescent (p ≤ 0.003) and having a high school education or below (p ≤ 0.046). Almost all of our participants held at least one myth about nutrition and diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding; younger participants showed a higher frequency of holding myths. Years of schooling and age were associated with acting on myths and not acting on correct knowledge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy for the Prevention of Pregnancy Complications)

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15 pages, 2118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Maternal Obesity in Mice on IL-6 Levels and Placental Endothelial Cell Homeostasis

by Tobias Kretschmer, Merle Schulze-Edinghausen, Eva-Maria Turnwald, Ruth Janoschek, Inga Bae-Gartz, Peter Zentis, Marion Handwerk, Maria Wohlfarth, Astrid Schauss, Eva Hucklenbruch-Rother, Jörg Dötsch and Sarah Appel

Nutrients 2020, 12(2), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020296 - 22 Jan 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3487

Abstract

Obesity during pregnancy is a known health risk for mother and child. Since obesity is associated with increased inflammatory markers, our objectives were to determine interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in obese mice and to examine the effect of IL-6 on placental endothelial cells. Placentas, blood, and adipose tissue of C57BL/6N mice, kept on high fat diet before and during pregnancy, were harvested at E15.5. Serum IL-6 levels were determined and endothelial cell markers and IL-6 expression were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot. Immunostaining was used to determine surface and length densities of fetal capillary profiles and placental endothelial cell homeostasis. Human placental vein endothelial cells were cultured and subjected to proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, and tube formation assays after stimulation with hyperIL-6. Placental endothelial cell markers were downregulated and the percentage of senescent endothelial cells was higher in the placental exchange zone of obese dams and placental vascularization was strongly reduced. Additionally, maternal IL-6 serum levels and IL-6 protein levels in adipose tissue were increased. Stimulation with hyperIL-6 provoked a dose dependent increase of senescence in cultured endothelial cells without any effects on proliferation or apoptosis. Diet-induced maternal obesity led to an IUGR phenotype accompanied by increased maternal IL-6 serum levels. In the placenta of obese dams, this may result in a disturbed endothelial cell homeostasis and impaired fetal vasculature. Cell culture experiments confirmed that IL-6 is capable of inducing endothelial cell senescence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy for the Prevention of Pregnancy Complications)

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Review

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10 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutraceuticals and Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy: The Available Clinical Evidence

by Silvia Fogacci, Federica Fogacci and Arrigo F.G. Cicero

Nutrients 2020, 12(2), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020378 - 31 Jan 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5536

Abstract

The aim of the present critical review is to summarize the available clinical evidence supporting the use of some dietary supplements that have been shown to lower blood pressure in hypertensive pregnant women. A systematic search strategy was carried out to identify trials in MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, MD, USA; January 1980 to September 2019) and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). The terms ‘nutraceuticals’, ‘dietary supplements’, ‘pregnancy’, ‘pre-eclampsia’, ‘clinical trial’, and ‘human’ were incorporated into an electronic search strategy. The references of the identified studies and review articles were reviewed to look for additional studies of interest. We preferably selected papers that reported recent comprehensive reviews or meta-analysis, or original clinical trials of substances with blood pressure-lowering or vascular protective effect in pregnancy. There is a relative body of evidence that supports the use of calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, and resveratrol in preventing the development of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, and evidence supporting drug treatment too. Further clinical research is advisable to identify the dosage and timing of the supplementation, the group of women that might benefit the most from this approach, and the nutraceuticals with the best cost-effectiveness and risk-benefit ratio for widespread use in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy for the Prevention of Pregnancy Complications)

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