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Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Systematic Review

Systematic Review Question

What is the relationship between dietary patterns before and during pregnancy and gestational age at birth?

Conclusion Statement

Limited but consistent evidence suggests that certain dietary patterns during pregnancy are associated with a lower risk of preterm birth and spontaneous preterm birth. These protective dietary patterns are:

  • higher in vegetables; fruits; whole grains; nuts, legumes and seeds; and seafood (preterm birth, only), and
  • lower in red and processed meats and fried foods. 

Most of the research was conducted in healthy, Caucasian women with access to health care.
Grade: Limited

Evidence is insufficient to estimate the association between dietary patterns before pregnancy and gestational age at birth as well as the risk of preterm birth.

Grade: Grade not assignable