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Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2351-9810
Original Article

Maternal Preconception Omega-6, Omega-3, and Omega-6:Omega-3 Intake and Uterine Artery Indices in Mid-Gestation

Amara Finch
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
,
Lisa Joss-Moore
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
,
Amanda A. Allshouse
2   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
,
Nathan Blue
2   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
3   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah
,
David M. Haas
4   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
,
William Grobman
5   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
,
Samuel Parry
6   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
George Saade
7   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, East Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
,
Robert M. Silver
2   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
3   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah
› Author Affiliations Funding This work was supported by a National Institute of Health R-38 Grant (Stimulating Access to Research in Residency). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, R38.
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Abstract

Objective Maternal preconception diet influences pregnancy health and fetal outcomes. We examined the relationship between preconception fatty acid (FA) intake and uterine artery indices in mid-gestation in a large, heterogeneous cohort of nulliparous individuals.

Study Design This is a secondary analysis of the nuMom2b (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be) study. Dietary ω-6 and ω-3 FA intake was assessed with food frequency questionnaires and uterine artery indices were obtained via Doppler studies in the second trimester. For our primary outcome of pulsatility index (PI) > 1.6, we compared proportions by each dichotomous FA exposure and tested differences with chi-square test.

Results For PI > 1.6, odds ratio for the unfavorable FA quartile compared with remaining quartiles for the exposures were 0.96 to 1.25, p = 0.157 (ω-6 FA); 0.97 to 1.26, p = 0.124 (ω-3 FA); 0.87 to 1.14, p = 1.00 (ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio).

Conclusion No significant associations between self-reported maternal preconception ω-6 and ω-3 FA intake and uterine artery Doppler indices measured during the second trimester were observed.

Key Points

  • Maternal diet impacts pregnancy health/fetal outcomes.

  • ω-3 and ω-6 FA intake influences cardiovascular health.

  • FA intake may affect blood flow to fetoplacental unit.

  • Results are limited by inadequate adherence to dietary recommendations.

Keywords

maternal nutrition - essential fatty acids - fetal development - periconception health - uterine artery blood flow


Publication History

Received: 03 April 2024

Accepted: 21 June 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
25 June 2024

Article published online:
15 July 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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