Diet and Pregnancy Outcomes in Emirati Women
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Almekhaini Lolowa, Awar Shamsa A., Hamad Sania Al, Almesmari Fatmah, Khaled Maha, Qasem Nehaya, Bahwan Fatima, Aburawi Elhadi H, Narchi Hassib
Primary Institution: United Arab Emirates University
Hypothesis
This study examines the association of dietary intake of pregnant Emirati women and their pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI) with maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion
The study found no significant difference in dietary patterns among maternal pBMI groups nor in pregnancy or neonatal outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- 323 pregnant women participated in the study.
- The median age of participants was 28.6 years.
- 34% of participants were overweight and 20.9% were obese.
- 306 infants were assessed, with a median gestational age of 38 weeks.
- 89.8% of infants were full-term.
- The study identified two dietary patterns: 'natural ingredients' and 'processed foods'.
- Maternal age was significantly associated with the one-minute Apgar score.
- Pre-pregnancy weight was significantly associated with neonatal weight Z-score.
Takeaway
The food that pregnant women eat doesn't seem to change how healthy their babies are or how their pregnancies go.
Methodology
The study used a cross-sectional design and a culture-specific food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary intake among 323 pregnant Emirati women.
Potential Biases
Participants may have provided socially desirable responses regarding their dietary habits.
Limitations
The study's limitations include potential recall bias, exclusion of certain ethnic foods, and the inability to generalize findings beyond the specific hospitals in Al Ain.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Emirati women aged 18-35, with a high proportion being high school graduates or university undergraduates.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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