Adherence to the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy : associations with sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, perinatal outcomes, and breastfeeding practices

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been recognized as a beneficial nutritional pattern that promotes human health, decreasing the risks of a variety of human disorders and pathological states, including adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this aspect, the current survey aimed to assess the potential association of compliance with the MD during gestation with various sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, perinatal outcomes, and breastfeeding practices. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed on 5688 pregnant women from 10 distinctive Greek areas. Face-to-face interviews with qualified questionnaires and thorough retrievals of medical records were performed to collect data concerning the participants’ sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, perinatal outcomes, and breastfeeding practices. Results: Elevated compliance with the MD during pregnancy was independently related with older age, higher educational status, and better economic status as well as decreased incidences of pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and excess gestational weight gain and a lower likelihood of gestational diabetes. Moreover, greater adherence to the MD was independently associated with an increased prevalence of delivering vaginally and a greater prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for at least 16 weeks postpartum. Conclusions: A higher level of compliance with the MD for the period of gestation was associated with several favorable lifestyle factors that may promote maternal health. Further studies with a prospective design as well as studies exploring the potential effects of maternal compliance with the MD for the period of pregnancy on the health of children should be performed. Future studies should also be extended beyond the MD by assessing the potential beneficial effects of adopting a Mediterranean lifestyle on maternal and child health.