Eat Well Before Pregnancy to Have a Healthy Baby

April 26th, 2017

Recent research led by Lisa Bodnar, PhD, MPH (Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health) showed that in the weeks leading up to their first pregnancy, many women do not eat as well as they should. Healthy maternal diets can reduce the risk of preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and maternal obesity. Minorities and less-educated women were found to have the least nutritious diets, but no group met recommendations set forth by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. “Unlike many other pregnancy and birth risk factors, diet is something we can improve,” said Dr. Bodnar. “While attention should be given to improving nutritional counseling at doctor’s appointments, overarching societal and policy changes that help women to make healthy dietary choices may be more effective and efficient.”

Learn about other studies for pregnant women at pittplusme.org