Women who eat healthy before becoming pregnant are 50% less likely to have a preterm birth! A preterm birth is when a child is born before 37 weeks gestational age, also referred to as “preemie”. A study done by the University of Adelaide investigated the diets of 300 Australian women before conception. Results showed that women who ate a diet high in fats and sugars before conception were more likely to have a pregnancy resulting in a preterm birth. Those who ate high protein foods, fruits, whole grains, & vegetables were less likely to have a preterm birth occur.
Many people have the idea that healthy meals are important for pregnant women, but this study shows that it may be just as important before pregnancy. For women of child bearing years it’s important to eat healthy not just when you realize your pregnant, but even before you see those two lines on a pregnancy test. Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains before and during pregnancy is essential to having a healthy baby.
