Maternal Preconception Omega-6, Omega-3, and Omega-6:Omega-3 Intake and Uterine Artery Indices in Mid-Gestation

Abstract

Objective: Maternal preconception diet influences pregnancy health and fetal outcomes. We examined the relationship between preconception fatty acid (FA) intake and uterine artery indices in mid-gestation in a large, heterogeneous cohort of nulliparous individuals. Study Design: This is a secondary analysis of the nuMom2b study. Dietary ꞷ-6 and ꞷ-3 FA intake was assessed with food frequency questionnaires and uterine artery indices were obtained via doppler studies in the second trimester. For our primary outcome of pulsatility index (PI) > 1.6, we compared proportions by each dichotomous FA exposure and tested differences with chi-square. Results: For PI >1.6, OR for the unfavorable FA quartile compared to remaining quartiles for the exposures were 0.96 – 1.25, p 0.157 (ꞷ-6 FA); 0.97 – 1.26, p 0.124 (ꞷ-3 FA); 0.87 –1.14, p 1.00 (ꞷ-6:ꞷ-3 FA ratio). Conclusion: No significant associations between self-reported maternal preconception ꞷ-6 and ꞷ-3 FA intake and uterine artery doppler indices measured during the second trimester were observed.