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Evaluation of pregnancy outcomes in vegetarian/vegan women
1
University of Health Sciences, Midwifery, İstanbul, Turkey
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A730
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Plant-based diets like vegetarianism and veganism have gained popularity due to ethical, environmental, and health concerns. However, their impact during pregnancy remains controversial. Proper maternal nutrition is vital for fetal development and maternal well-being. Diets excluding animal products may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, possibly affecting pregnancy outcomes.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to evaluate pregnancy and postpartum outcomes in women adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets. It focused on nutritional behaviors, supplement use, and neonatal health indicators such as birth weight, length, and head circumference.
METHODS:
A descriptive and cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 15 vegetarian/vegan women admitted to the obstetrics clinics of a public hospital. Data were collected via a Personal Information Form and a Nutritional Behaviors Evaluation Form. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
RESULTS:
Participants had a mean age of 35.00±3.98 years; 53.3% had a normal BMI. Most followed a vegan diet (60%) and were motivated by animal welfare (73.3%). Nutritional supplement use was reported by 80%, mainly for health reasons. Anemia was diagnosed in 33.3% of participants. Neonatal outcomes included 13.3% with low birth weight, 26.7% with below-average length, and 26.7% with small head circumference. Breastfeeding difficulties were noted by 6.7% of mothers.
CONCLUSIONS:
Vegetarian and vegan diets may pose certain risks during pregnancy, particularly if not carefully managed. However, with appropriate dietary planning and sufficient supplementation, many of these risks can be mitigated.
KEY MESSAGE:
Plant-based diets can support healthy pregnancies when carefully planned and nutritionally adequate. Ethics and Conflicts of Interest: Ethical approval was obtained from the Scientific Research Ethics Committee of a public university. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Poster session 3 (Group B)
Plant-based diets like vegetarianism and veganism have gained popularity due to ethical, environmental, and health concerns. However, their impact during pregnancy remains controversial. Proper maternal nutrition is vital for fetal development and maternal well-being. Diets excluding animal products may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, possibly affecting pregnancy outcomes.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to evaluate pregnancy and postpartum outcomes in women adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets. It focused on nutritional behaviors, supplement use, and neonatal health indicators such as birth weight, length, and head circumference.
METHODS:
A descriptive and cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 15 vegetarian/vegan women admitted to the obstetrics clinics of a public hospital. Data were collected via a Personal Information Form and a Nutritional Behaviors Evaluation Form. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
RESULTS:
Participants had a mean age of 35.00±3.98 years; 53.3% had a normal BMI. Most followed a vegan diet (60%) and were motivated by animal welfare (73.3%). Nutritional supplement use was reported by 80%, mainly for health reasons. Anemia was diagnosed in 33.3% of participants. Neonatal outcomes included 13.3% with low birth weight, 26.7% with below-average length, and 26.7% with small head circumference. Breastfeeding difficulties were noted by 6.7% of mothers.
CONCLUSIONS:
Vegetarian and vegan diets may pose certain risks during pregnancy, particularly if not carefully managed. However, with appropriate dietary planning and sufficient supplementation, many of these risks can be mitigated.
KEY MESSAGE:
Plant-based diets can support healthy pregnancies when carefully planned and nutritionally adequate. Ethics and Conflicts of Interest: Ethical approval was obtained from the Scientific Research Ethics Committee of a public university. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Poster session 3 (Group B)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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