Maternal dietary patterns and their associations with fetal growth in Mexican pregnant women with gestational diabetes: results from the healthy pregnancy means future cohort

Abstract Background Nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for fetal growth and development. The dietary patterns of expectant mothers can significantly impact intrauterine growth. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between maternal dietary patterns in the third trimester of pregnancy among Mexican women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the fetal growth of their offspring Methods Data was obtained from the cohort study “Healthy Pregnancy Means Future.” The analysis included 127 pregnant women with GDM recruited between August 2015 and May 2018. Dietary information was evaluated using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Ultrasound scans were conducted to get fetometry and fetal weight data. Dietary patterns were determined through principal component analysis. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the association between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and fetal growth. Results Four dietary patterns were identified: Starch (S), Sweets (SW), Fats and Protein (F&P), and Fruits and Vegetables (FV). Maternal underweight was negatively correlated with fetal measurements and weight, whereas maternal overweight was negatively correlated only with fetal measurements. There was a significant interaction between the dietary pattern of fruits and vegetables and maternal weight gain with differential effects on fetometry among underweight women (β = -1.24, p = 0.011) and overweight women (β = -1.35, p = 0.037), as well as on fetal weight among underweight (β = − 188.00, p = 0.029) and overweight women (β = − 262.48, p = 0.020). Conclusion Pregnant women who primarily followed a diet rich in fruits and vegetables during the last trimester experienced improved fetal outcomes, particularly with adequate maternal weight gain.