Pregnancy-specific stressors as predictors of eating behaviours’ (emotional, external and restraint) during pregnancy: Can stressors specific to pregnancy influence one towards unhealthy food choices?

Abstract

The current study investigates predictors of unhealthy eating patterns during the third trimester of pregnancy (n=155). Past research has found many pregnant women do not meet the dietary requirements to support a healthy offspring having detrimental consequences on infant development later in life. Despite there being a wealth of studies investigating the relationship between diet and infant outcomes, and stress and infant outcomes, few studies have investigated these variables in one model. Although it is known that stress changes food preference, less is known about this relationship specific to pregnancy. Therefore, the current study focuses on the association between stress during pregnancy (maternal anxiety (MA) and daily hassles (DH)) and emotional (EE), external (EX) and restraint eating (RE). This study uses data from the longitudinal SMILEY cohort (Study of Microbiota and Lifestyle in the Early Years) at 32 weeks gestation. Results indicate that MA and DH are related to EE and EX, but not RE. Yet, DH did not moderate the prospective relationship between MA and EE or MA and EX. Results highlight differential experiences of stress during pregnancy and their potential relationship to unhealthy eating. Identifying pregnancy-specific stressors as predictors of dietary patterns during the transition to parenthood provides a focal point for target interventions to motivate women towards healthier food choices.