TITLE Parity implications for anthropometrical variables, lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits in pregnant women Influen cia de la paridad sobre variables antropométricas, estilos de vida y hábitos alimentarios en mujeres embarazadas AUTHORS

Background: During pregnancy the maintenance of an adequate health status and appropiate lifestyles, are of great importance to prevent adverse outcomes for both, mother and baby. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the nutritional status, sociodemographic features, lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits of pregnant women in Spain, and to identify the influence of parity on these profiles. Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed pregnant women from regions all over Spain. The information was collected throughout a 40 item questionnaire, previously validated, by community health professionals. Results: The 5,087 analyzed pregnant women had on average 31.9 years with an overall adequate nutritional status. The distribution of the sample was 56% nulliparas and 44% multiparas. Nulliparas declared better self-perceived health status and nutritional balance, and a lower incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus. However, multiparas showed healthier lifestyle habits (lower smoking and alcohol consumption rates) and more physically active patterns. Regarding to the diet, nulliparous pregnant women consumed more dairy products, fresh fruit and nuts; and less bread, rice/pasta/potatoes, meat, sausage and buns/pastries than multiparous pregnant women. Conclusions: Differences between analyzed patterns were observed in anthropometrical variables, lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits, which may require different nutritional messages to nulliparas as compared to multiparas from a public health point of view.