Pregnancy and nutrition: how to reduce the risk of premature birth

Two servings of fruit and three vegetables are the norm that should be followed daily, especially during pregnancy.

Following the nutrition recommendations of nutritionists becomes even more important in the months leading up to the birth of a child. This way, you can best protect his or her health: from the development of the nervous system to weight control at birth.

However, there is another aspect of pregnancy that can be influenced by the mother's diet: the moment the baby is born. In fact, the higher the level of fruit and vegetable consumption, the lower the risk of giving birth early, according to fondazioneveronesi.it.

Research results

Scientists from the University of Queensland (Australia) selected 3422 women (25-36 years old) to find out the connection between the diet of the expectant mother, the risk of preterm birth, and low birth weight. The study was started when they were not even pregnant to assess the effect of diet before conception. From the analysis of the actual food reports, it turned out that a high level of vegetable consumption (more than fruit) before conception contributes to the end of pregnancy according to the schedule (between 37 and 41 weeks).

Comparison of 4 food schemes

Analyzing women's diets, the researchers identified four food patterns:

1. High-fat (frequent consumption of pork, veal, beef, lamb, chicken, sausage, salami, bacon, fish, and chips).

2. "Prudent" (rich in oranges, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, tofu, lettuce, avocado, watermelon, apples, soy milk, and canned fish).

3. Highly refined foods (pasta, cookies, crackers, rice, chocolate, pizza, cakes, French fries and sauces).

4. Vegetarian (frequent consumption of carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin, cabbage, green beans, and potatoes).

The highest number of preterm births was recorded among women of the third dietary pattern, and the lowest - of the fourth. In general, overweight mothers and those who had developed gestosis or gestational diabetes within nine months were more at risk.

"Vegetables, because they are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, have anti-inflammatory effects and are effective in reducing the risk of various adverse health effects, including preterm birth," said Derege Goethe, a public health researcher.