Introduction
Pregnancy brings about significant physiological and metabolic changes that support the growth and development of the fetus. Maternal nutritional quality is a significant predictor of perinatal outcomes such as hypertensive diseases, gestational diabetes, low birth weight, gestational age, and premature birth. In addition, poor nutrition quality during pregnancy has been linked to chronic conditions like obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular illnesses in later life.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
NOVA classifies foods based on their level of processing: unprocessed food, slightly processed food, processed culinary items, processed food, and ultra-processed foods (UPF). UPFs are industrial formulations derived from processed or refined whole foods. These are high-energy foods that are poor in protein, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins and high in sugar, salt, and fat. UPFs also contain industrial substances such as protein isolates, hydrogenated fat, and additives such as flavors, artificial sweeteners, colors, and emulsifiers.
Products like sausages, pizza, cakes, cereal bars, ice cream, fast meals, and soft beverages are a few examples. While some studies have found no correlation, others have found a significant correlation between the intake of UPF-rich diets during pregnancy and a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG).
How Does Ultra-Processed Food Affect Pregnancy?
The ultra-processed foods affect pregnancy in the following ways,
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Fast and ultra-processed foods are low in vital elements like minerals, vitamins, and fiber and excessive in sugar, salt, calories, and harmful fats. The body needs more nutrients during pregnancy to sustain the growth and development of the baby. The inadequate nutritional quality in UFP may contribute to the development of preeclampsia and GDM (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus). Maternal oxidative stress in the middle of pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C may prevent oxidative stress. Choosing these foods can result in nutritional deficits, which can harm the health of the mother and the unborn child.
Risk of Gestational Diabetes:
Gestational diabetes may result from excessive consumption of ultra-processed and fast foods during pregnancy. The Western diet, which includes fried food, red and processed meat, and refined grains, may put people at risk for GDM. These foods usually cause high blood sugar levels because they are high in refined carbs and sugars. In addition to raising the risk of problems during pregnancy and childbirth, gestational diabetes increases the chance of type 2 diabetes in both the mother and the child in their later lives.
Gestational Weight Gain:
Gaining weight is a normal part of pregnancy, but gaining too much weight can cause preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and problems during delivery. Fast and ultra-processed foods are frequently high in calories but low in nutrients, making it easier to eat too many calories without feeling full. Women who consumed the greatest amount of UPF foods were three times more likely to be obese than those who consumed the lowest amount of these foods.
Pregnant women should be a priority healthcare concern since excessive gestational weight gain is linked to an increased risk of LGA (large for gestational age) babies, hypertensive diseases, and cesarean delivery. Gestational weight gain is also a significant predictor of postpartum weight retention, which contributes to obesity. Selecting whole, nutrient-dense foods will improve the ability to control weight gain during pregnancy.
Impact on Fetal Development:
Research has indicated that a maternal diet throughout pregnancy may impact the child's long-term health. Birth weight is one of the fundamental indicators in the World Health Organization's (WHO) global reference list and it is an essential tool for evaluating the health and development of a newborn.
Unhealthy dietary habits of consuming large amounts of processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and foods containing excessive sugar or saturated fat have been linked to a decrease in birth weight and an increase in the chance of preterm delivery. Higher maternal UPF intake has been linked to increased obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic problems in the neonate.
Pregnant women who consume high amounts of highly processed foods have a higher chance of giving birth preterm, but eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains seems to lower the risk and support healthy fetal development significantly.
Digestion Issues:
Fast food and ultra-processed foods frequently include artificial substances, preservatives, and additives that could affect gut flora, resulting in digestive system discomfort. The digestive tract is already under strain during pregnancy, and eating certain foods can worsen symptoms like heartburn, constipation, and bloating. Selecting fresh foods can help reduce these discomforts and contribute to improved digestive health.
Impact on Mental Health:
Significant hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy have an impact on mood and mental health. Fast food and ultra-processed food cravings can be very tempting. Still, excessive consumption can lead to fatigue and mood swings and even worsen the symptoms of anxiety or depression in pregnant women. During pregnancy, choosing nutritious foods can promote general mental health and help stabilize mood.
What Are the Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy?
It is usually advised to stay away from meals that could be harmful to the mother and unborn child during pregnancy. A few items to avoid are undercooked or raw meats and eggs, smoked seafood, deli meats, uncooked fish, raw fish, unwashed vegetables and fruits, excessive amounts of caffeine, and alcohol. It is advisable to restrict or avoid these meals entirely during pregnancy.
Conclusion
To have successful pregnancy outcomes, it is not enough to address maternal nutrition throughout pregnancy. Prenatal care should include a varied diet high in fruits, vegetables, and protein sources for women who plan to become pregnant as well.
Dietary guidelines should consider the degree of food processing, the types of foods, and the quantities of nutrients. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid UPFs, such as junk food, fast food, processed meats, pizza, soft drinks, hamburgers, sweets, and candies.
Instead, they should increase their intake of naturally occurring and minimally processed foods. It is also essential to prioritize a healthy lifestyle with sufficient food intake, regular exercise, regular sleep patterns, and adequate gestational weight gain.
