The Influence Of Exercise And Body Mass Index On Food Choices During Pregnancy

PURPOSE: Exercise is linked to health conscientious behaviors, such as healthy eating; however, the influence of exercise while pregnant on healthy eating is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this analysis was to determine if there are differences in food choices of women who exercised (EX) or not (CON) during pregnancy, and if this differed by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI; normal weight, NW; overweight/obese, OWOB). METHODS: This was a secondary analysis to examine the food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) of pregnant women randomized to 150 min/wk of EX (n = 72) or CON (n = 16). Maternal age, race, gravida, parity, and pre-pregnancy BMI were collected at enrollment (<16-wks). At enrollment and 36-wks gestation, women reported the frequency of specific food consumption (e.g., sausages, fish, etc.) based on a Likert scale ranging from 1- rarely or never eat the food to 5- eat the food more than once/day. RESULTS: On average, women were 30 years old. EX women had lower BMI relative to CON (p = 0.04). Within exercise groups, we found OWOB CON (n = 10) ate more squash and whole grain cereal at 16-wks with more use of milk in cereal at 36-wks relative to NW CON (n = 6). At 16-wks OWOB EX (n = 31) had less carrots, more pudding, and dieted less than NW EX (n = 39). Whereas at 36-wks, OWOB EX ate less sweets, fruit, and dieted less frequently during the pregnancy than NW EX. Within BMIs, NW EX (n = 39) had more poultry and squash consumption at 16-wks but no differences at 36-wks relative to NW CON (n = 6). OWOB EX (n = 31) had less cakes or buns at 16-wks and less hot pockets, eggs, and juice beverages at 36-wks relative to OWOB CON (n = 9). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that OWOB EX had an improved diet in late pregnancy; these results were not seen in OWOB and NW CON groups. Since FFQ is self-reported and captured a broad scope of habitual diet, it is important for further research in this area. Overall, data suggest that OWOB women who start exercising during pregnancy also improve their diet. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: This study was partially funded by the American Heart Association (AHA grant #18IPA34150006) and East Carolina University.