Dietary patterns and alcohol consumption during pregnancy: Secondary analysis of Avon longitudinal study of parents and children.

Journal article

Background

Large general population surveys show that heavy regular and episodic alcohol consumption are associated with lower intakes of fruits and vegetables, and higher intakes of processed and fried meat. This is of particular concern regarding pregnant women, as both alcohol intake and inadequate maternal nutrition are independently associated with adverse fetal outcomes. The current study aimed to determine associations between maternal dietary patterns and alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Women provided details of alcohol consumption at 18 weeks’ gestation and diet at 32 weeks’ gestation (n=9,839). Dietary patterns were derived from the food frequency questionnaire data using principal components analysis. Associations between alcohol consumption and dietary patterns were determined using multiple linear regression, adjusted for various socio-demographic and lifestyle factors.

Results

After adjustment, drinking ≥1 unit/day during the first trimester; β=0.23 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.38); p=0.002 and binge drinking (≥4 units in one day) during the first half of pregnancy; β=0.14 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.21); p<0.0001 were associated with greater adherence to the ‘Processed’ dietary pattern (high intakes of processed meat and low intakes of fruit and vegetables). Light to moderate alcohol consumption (≤1 drink/day) during the first trimester was associated with greater adherence to the ‘Health conscious’ dietary pattern (high intakes of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and fish); β=0.09 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.14); p<0.0001.

Conclusions

Two important components of health behaviour during pregnancy appear to be related; greater consumption of processed foods associated with heavier alcohol consumption, and healthier dietary choices associated with light to moderate alcohol intake. Potential synergistic effects of these behaviours may have implications for maternal and fetal health and warrant further investigation. A more holistic approach to addressing health behaviours in women of reproductive age is required.

Authors: Coathup, V; Northstone, K; Gray, R; Wheeler, S; Smith, L

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research
• Volume: 41
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1120–1128
• Publication date: 2017-04-19
• Acceptance date: 2017-03-13
• DOI: 10.1111/acer.13379
• EISSN: 1530-0277
• ISSN: 0145-6008
• Language: English
• Keywords: nutrition; maternal health; gestation; heavy episodic drinking; ALSPAC