Poor Eating Habits Before Pregnancy Up the Risk of Preterm Births: Study

Mothers' poor eating habits before pregnancy can up the risk of preterm births by 50 percent, according to a study.

Pregnant women are advised to eat healthy and nutritious food to enable proper growth and development of the fetus. Past studies have found mothers'diet at the time of conception influences development of the baby and those who frequently consume fatty food mostly deliver an overweight or obese baby.  In a recent research, Australian scientists found a direct association between unhealthy dietary habits and birth outcomes in women.

The research by the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute examined eating habits of 300 Australian women before and during pregnancy to identify risk factors for premature birth. It was observed that women who regularly ate food high in protein, fruits, whole grains and vegetables before conceiving were less likely to deliver a pre mature baby.

While those who reported eating high caloric diet like potato chips, baked confectionery, fast food and other snacks that were rich in sugar and saturated fat had 50 percent increased possibility of having preterm births.

According the data by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-in-eight American children is born premature and may suffer long term health conditions like breathing difficulties, impaired development, vision problems, cerebral palsy and defects in vital organs. About 35 percent of the infant deaths in 2009 were preterm-related in the country.  

The study urges women to educate themselves about the importance of eating right and protect against diseases and weaknesses that occur in pregnancy and largely have an effect on the overall health of their babies.

"It is important to consume a healthy diet before as well as during pregnancy to support the best outcomes for the mum and baby," said Jessica Grieger, study author and research fellow at Robinson Research Institute in a news release.

"Diet is an important risk factor that can be modified. It is never too late to make a positive change. We hope our work will help promote a healthy diet before and during pregnancy. This will help to reduce the number of neonatal deaths and improve the overall health of children," she said.

The findings will be presented at the annual meet of the Australian Society for Medical Research on June 4^th, 2014. More information is available online in the Journal of Nutrition.