Effect of Mediterranean Diet Adherence During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy on Maternal and Newborn Health Outcomes

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence during the third trimester of pregnancy on both maternal and newborn health, focusing on birth weight, cranial perimeter, and maternal biochemical markers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 volunteer pregnant women. Maternal sociodemographic, nutritional, and biochemical data were collected before delivery (weeks 27-41 of pregnancy), while newborn anthropometric measurements were obtained within 2 d of birth. MD adherence was assessed using the KIDMED index, classifying participants into low, moderate, or optimal adherence groups. Results: 54.0% of pregnant women had very low, 27.7% moderate, and 18.3% optimal adherence to MD. Maternal urea, free T4, hemoglobin, and vitamin B12 levels were higher in the moderate adherence group, while folate and vitamin D levels were lower in the very low adherence group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that maternal adherence to MD was not significantly associated with birth weight (P = 0.10, AOR = 1.082) and cranial perimeter (P = 0.63, AOR = 1.016). Pregnancy weight gain was significantly associated with a lower risk of low birth weight (P < 0.01, AOR = 2.312), and folate levels showed a borderline significant association (P = 0.05, AOR = 0.921). Factors influencing cranial perimeter included prepregnancy body mass index (P = 0.05), weight gain (P < 0.01, AOR = 2.007), folate (P = 0.04, AOR = 0.947), and vitamin B12 levels (P < 0.01, AOR = 0.996). Conclusions: MD adherence did not directly impact neonatal anthropometric outcomes, but its effect on maternal biochemical markers, lifestyle and nutritional habits suggests potential benefits for maternal health. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.