The consumption of low-calorie sweetener containing foods during pregnancy: results from the ROLO study.

Background/objectives: Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) are advised to adapt a low glycaemic index (GI) diet, which may impact consumption of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS). LCS are increasingly popular as they add sweetness without contributing calories. This study aims to investigate the reported intakes of LCS-containing foods in women during pregnancy.

The relationship between maternal plasma homocysteine in early pregnancy and birth weight.

There is limited evidence that plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is increased in women with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight (LBW). We examined the relationship between maternal Hcy at the first prenatal visit and birth weight. In a prospective observational study, women were recruited during their first prenatal visit after sonographic confirmation of gestational age.

Folate and vitamin B12 levels in early pregnancy and maternal obesity.

Objective: There is good evidence that periconceptual Folic Acid (FA) supplementation can prevent two thirds of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs). A two-fold increase in NTD rates have been associated with maternal obesity and, based on limited evidence, national guidelines have recommended prescribing high dose FA for women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) >29.9 kg/m.

Comparison at the first prenatal visit of the maternal dietary intakes of smokers with non-smokers in a large maternity hospital: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Using detailed dietary and supplement questionnaires in early pregnancy, we compared the dietary intakes of micronutrients and macronutrients at the first prenatal visit of women who reported continuing to smoke during pregnancy with the intakes of women who were non-smokers.

Design: Cross-sectional study conducted between June 2014 and March 2016.

Setting: Stand-alone tertiary maternity hospital in an urban setting with approximately 8000 deliveries per year.

Optimization of folic acid supplementation in the prevention of neural tube defects.

Background: We examined the relationship between timing and duration of folic acid (FA) supplementation in achieving red blood cell (RBC) folate levels in early pregnancy which are optimal (>906 nmol/l) for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs).

Methods: Clinical, FA supplementation and dietary folate details were computerized at the first antenatal visit. Maternal blood samples were analysed for RBC and serum folate.

Duration of periconceptional folic acid supplementation in women booking for antenatal care.

Objective: To provide accurate estimates of the commencement time, duration and dosage of folic acid (FA) supplementation taken by Irish women in the periconceptional period. The study also aimed to establish the factors associated with optimal FA supplementation practices.

Design: Cross-sectional observational study.

Maternal nutrient intakes from food and drinks consumed in early pregnancy in Ireland.

Background: The aim of this observational study was to measure food, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of women presenting for antenatal care and assess compliance with current nutritional recommendations.

Methods: Women were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated.

Breast-feeding and postpartum maternal weight trajectories.

Objective: We examined whether breast-feeding, and in particular exclusive breast-feeding, was associated with maternal weight and body composition changes at 4 months postpartum independently of other maternal variables.

Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Women were recruited in the first trimester after an ultrasound examination confirmed an ongoing singleton pregnancy.

Maternal folic acid supplementation trends 2009-2013.

Objective: We analyzed trends in folic acid supplementation among women booking for antenatal care between 2009 and 2013.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Large university teaching hospital.

An analysis of folic acid supplementation in women presenting for antenatal care.

Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are major congenital malformations that are potentially preventable if the woman takes periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplements. A recent report found that NTD incidence had increased in Ireland. This study examined the usage of FA supplementation in women presenting for antenatal care in a maternity hospital.

An estimation of periconceptional under-reporting of dietary energy intake.

Background: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine periconceptional misreporting of energy intake (EI) using the Willet food frequency questionnaire (WFFQ).

Methods: Women were recruited in the first trimester. Women completed a semi-quantitative WFFQ.