Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have found that women who follow a vegan diet during pregnancy may have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia and having a low-birth-weight baby. The results of the study were announced magazine Acta Obstetricia and Gynecologica Scandinavica (AOGS).
More than 65 thousand women took part in scientists’ work. They all filled out a questionnaire in the middle of their pregnancy and indicated what type of diet they were on. Their health conditions were then monitored until birth. Protein intake was found to be lower among vegetarians (13.3%) and vegans (10.4%). Intakes of several micronutrients were also significantly lower among vegans who did not take dietary supplements.
These two groups of pregnant women had a higher incidence of preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure), and their newborns weighed an average of 240 grams less. If the child’s body weight after birth is below the acceptable limits of normal, this increases the child’s likelihood of suffering from breathing problems, skin and internal organ infections, gastrointestinal disorders and even neurological diseases.
“Further research on the possible causal relationship between plant-based diets and pregnancy and birth outcomes is needed to strengthen the basis for dietary recommendations,” the authors write.
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