Development of a novel Periconceptual Nutrition Score (PENS) to examine the relationship between maternal dietary quality and fetal growth

Rachel A.K. Kennedy, Michael J. Turner

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Background: Maternal nutrition may influence intrauterine fetal development. To date, the relationship between contemporary European dietary guidelines and fetal growth has not been examined. Aims: To develop a novel Periconceptual Nutrition Score (PENS) to assess maternal dietary quality in early pregnancy and examine its relationship with fetal growth. Study design: Women were recruited conveniently at their first clinic visit and completed a supervised four day retrospective diet history. The PENS was developed using European Food Safety Authority recommended dietary intakes for pregnancy. The relationship between PENS and fetal growth was examined. Subjects: Women with a singleton pregnancy. Outcome measures: Birthweight, small for gestational age (SGA), neonatal head circumference. Results and conclusions: Of the 202 women, the mean age was 32.2 ± 5.0 years and 44.6% were nulliparas. The mean PENS was 9.4 ± 3.1. On multivariable regression, there was a positive relationship between the PENS and birthweight (beta = 45.3, 95%CI 14.8–75.9, P = 0.002) and neonatal head circumference (beta = 0.12, 95%CI 0.01–0.23, P = 0.03). Compared with the lowest PENS quartile, the mean birthweight was increased in the highest quartile (Mean difference 328 g, P = 0.02). The incidence of SGA was 16.4% (n = 10/61) in the lowest PENS quartile compared to 6.5% (n = 9/139) in the top three quartiles (P = 0.03). Thus, higher maternal dietary quality was associated with increased intrauterine fetal growth. The PENS is potentially useful in identifying those women before or during pregnancy who may benefit from dietary interventions that may optimise fetal growth. It may also be useful in tracking maternal dietary quality during pregnancy.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)6-12
    Number of pages7
    JournalEarly Human Development
    Volume132
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - May 2019

    Keywords

    • Dietary quality
    • Fetal growth
    • Maternal nutrition

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