Adherence to Different Forms of Plant-Based Diets and Pregnancy Outcomes in the Danish National Birth Cohort: A Prospective Observational Study

( Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2024;103(6):1046–1053. doi:10.1111/aogs.14778) There has been a notable increase in the popularity of plant-based diets, especially veganism, in Western cultures due to environmental concerns, ethics, and animal welfare. In Denmark, the prevalence of veganism rose from <1% in 2010 to 3% in 2022, with young adults (18 to 34 y) noting 7.4%. Seventy percent of vegetarians are women, indicating elevated numbers among pregnant women. Although plant-based diets are associated with lower mortality rates, research also points out the potential dangers of lacking essential nutrients in such restrictive eating patterns. Studies on these diets and their effects on birth outcomes show varied findings. Initial reviews did not report any regular negative impacts. However, recent research has shown a decrease in birth weight and an increase in small-for-gestational-age babies in vegan mothers, possibly because of differences in diet and insufficient nutrient information.