Abstract
Objective Maternal preconception diet influences pregnancy health and fetal outcomes. We examined
the relationship between preconception fatty acid (FA) intake and uterine artery indices
in mid-gestation in a large, heterogeneous cohort of nulliparous individuals.
Study Design This is a secondary analysis of the nuMom2b (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study:
Monitoring Mothers-to-be) study. Dietary ω-6 and ω-3 FA intake was assessed with food
frequency questionnaires and uterine artery indices were obtained via Doppler studies
in the second trimester. For our primary outcome of pulsatility index (PI) > 1.6,
we compared proportions by each dichotomous FA exposure and tested differences with
chi-square test.
Results For PI > 1.6, odds ratio for the unfavorable FA quartile compared with remaining
quartiles for the exposures were 0.96 to 1.25, p = 0.157 (ω-6 FA); 0.97 to 1.26, p = 0.124 (ω-3 FA); 0.87 to 1.14, p = 1.00 (ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio).
Conclusion No significant associations between self-reported maternal preconception ω-6 and
ω-3 FA intake and uterine artery Doppler indices measured during the second trimester
were observed.
Key Points
-
Maternal diet impacts pregnancy health/fetal outcomes.
-
ω-3 and ω-6 FA intake influences cardiovascular health.
-
FA intake may affect blood flow to fetoplacental unit.
-
Results are limited by inadequate adherence to dietary recommendations.
Keywords
maternal nutrition - essential fatty acids - fetal development - periconception health
- uterine artery blood flow