Differences in dietary and lifestyle habits between pregnant women with small fetuses and appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in lifestyle and dietary habits between pregnant women with small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses and those appropriate for gestational age (AGA).

Methods: This cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted over 14 months and included 46 mothers with SGA and 81 with AGA fetuses. Fetal growth was assessed by a routine third trimester scan. Participants completed questionnaires regarding dietary habits, lifestyle behavior and sociodemographic characteristics during the third trimester.

Results: Mothers maintaining a Mediterranean-type diet and lifestyle were more likely to have an AGA fetus (P < 0.05). The same number of women in both groups ate a vegetarian diet. Women in the SGA group had a lower intake of certain micronutrients: carotene, folic acid, iron, potassium and magnesium (P < 0.05). Women in the AGA group ate more vegetables, especially green beans, carrots, lettuce and oranges (P < 0.05). Bread, pasta, cakes and jam were also more frequently consumed by the AGA group (P < 0.05). Mothers in the SGA group drank more cola (P < 0.05), while mothers in the AGA group drank more diet cola and wine (P < 0.05). Women in the SGA group smoked more cigarettes per day (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Mothers of SGA fetuses had a different nutritional intake and cigarette smoking habits compared with mothers of AGA fetuses. No other differentiating lifestyle habits were observed between the groups. Thus, intrauterine growth conditions might be improved by the endorsement of certain dietary habits during pregnancy.