by Robert Preidt
. Health reporter
When Diet Doesn't Lower Cholesterol - Balanced Diet During Pregnancy May Lower Risk of Preterm Delivery
Tuesday, (Health News) - Expectant mothers are often told to eat many fruits and vegetables, and a new study adds the evidence that a healthy diet is linked to a reduced risk of premature birth.
.The researchers analyzed data gathered from more than 66,000 pregnant women in Norway between 2002 and 2008. Premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) occurred in just over 5% of pregnancies.
Women who ate a "prudent" diet that included many vegetables, fruits, whole grains and water had a much lower risk of premature birth, as well as those with a traditional Norwegian diet of cooked potatoes, cooked fish and vegetables, Investigators found.
A western snacks and sweet snacks, white bread, desserts and processed meat products do not seem to have an effect on the risk of premature birth, according to the study, which was published on-line 4 March In BMJ magazine.
This suggests that increasing consumption of healthy foods is more important than eliminating unhealthy foods, the researchers said. Discoveries also support advice given to pregnant women to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and water. However, although the study has found an association between eating a healthy diet during pregnancy and a less risk of premature birth, it has not proven a cause and effect relationship. The authors of the study said premature birth can lead to major short and long term health problems, and is responsible for almost 75% of all newborn deaths. Healthy eating during pregnancy is always a good idea, according to an editorial that accompanies from Lucilla Poston, from King's College London.Poston said several studies have suggested that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent premature birth. "[Health professionals] would be well advised to reinforce the message that pregnant women eat a healthy diet," she said.
