AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN LIVERPOOL OF PREGNANT WOMEN WITH A BMI ≥ 35kg/m2 REGARDING DIETARY INTAKE, LIFESTYLE AND LIVED EXPERIENCE
The prevalence of maternal obesity is on the increase, compromising both maternal and foetal health. Previous intervention studies have been designed to limit the amount of gestational weight gain but in the absence of UK guidelines relating to optimum weight change in obese pregnancies and the negative experiences of obese women with regard to previous weight loss attempts it is reasonable to ask whether this is the most effective approach. It has been demonstrated that maternal dietary intake can impact on gestational weight gain and birth weight but there is little in the way of research into the impact that quality of diet has on outcomesAimsTo measure the quality of maternal dietary intake and weight change against pregnancy and birth outcomes and to explore and gain insight into the lived experience of obese pregnant women with a view to informing guidelines.MethodsPregnant women with a BMI≥35kg/m2 were recruited from antenatal clinic and asked to complete 3 day food diaries at 16,28 and 36 weeks gestation, The diaries were verified using a food atlas and analysed using Microdiet. A subset of women were then followed up and interviewed regarding their lived experience of obesity.ResultsThe women’s dietary intake deteriorated over the duration of pregnancy and there were significant associations between some micronutrients and pregnancy and birth outcomes. Women with a BMI 35-39.9kg/m2 were most likely to gain weight.ConclusionThe dietary intake of obese pregnant women is an important predictor of pregnancy and birth outcomes and it was demonstrated that the quality of diet significant deteriorated over the duration of pregnancy. Interventions designed to increase the quality of diet are urgently required.
TX341 Nutrition. Foods and food supply, RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
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