Assessment of Eating Behaviors and Perceptions of Time-Restricted Eating During Pregnancy

Abstract

Background The maternal metabolic milieu is challenged during pregnancy and may result in unwarranted metabolic complications. A time-restricted eating (TRE) pattern may optimize the metabolic response to pregnancy by improving glucose metabolism and reducing circulating glucose concentrations, as it does in nonpregnant individuals. Objectives The objectives of this study were to 1) assess eating timing in pregnant women; 2) understand the perceptions of adopting a TRE pattern; 3) determine the barriers and support mechanisms for incorporating a TRE pattern; and 4) identify those most willing to adopt a TRE pattern during pregnancy. Methods This was a cross-sectional quantitative and quasi-qualitative online survey study for women who were pregnant at the time of study completion or had given birth in the prior 2 years. Group analyses were performed based off willingness to try a TRE pattern using chi-squared analyses, independent samples t-tests, or an analysis of variance. Three separate reviewers reviewed qualitative responses. Results A total of 431 women (BMI, 27.5 ± 0.3 kg/m2) completed the study. Of the participating women, 23.7% reported willingness to try a TRE pattern during pregnancy. Top barriers to adopting a TRE pattern during pregnancy were concerns for 1) safety; 2) nausea; and 3) hunger. The highest ranked support mechanisms were: 1) the ability to choose the eating window; 2) more frequent prenatal visits to ensure the health of the baby; and 3) receiving feedback from a dietician/nutritionist. Women who did not identify as White/Caucasian expressed a higher willingness to try a TRE pattern during pregnancy (P = 0.01). Women who were nulliparous expressed a higher willingness to try a TRE pattern (P = 0.05). Discussion TRE, an alternative dietary strategy shown to optimize metabolic control, may be effective to prevent and manage pregnancy-related metabolic impairments. To create an effective TRE intervention during pregnancy, the input of pregnant mothers is necessary to increase adherence and acceptability.

Feasibility of time-restricted eating during pregnancy and effect on glycemic control in people with increased risk of gestational diabetes – a randomized controlled trial

“…Indeed, a qualitative study on attitudes towards TRE among people who were pregnant or had recently given birth, reported that some were concerned about the baby’s health, nausea, and hunger. 14 However, 47% of the participants in that study perceived TRE as safe during pregnancy, but only 24% of them said they would be willing to try a TRE regimen during pregnancy. 14…”

“…13 As such, TRE has emerged as a potentially beneficial intervention for individuals at risk of, or diagnosed with GDM. 14 However, we are unaware of published research on the feasibility or effect of TRE in pregnant individuals. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to examine the feasibility of TRE in pregnant individuals with at least one risk factor for developing GDM.…”

Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Engagement to Inform a Precision Prescription Approach during Pregnancy

“…The instrument was structured according to the following domains: (1) physical activity habits during pregnancy, (2) willingness to engage in physical activity during pregnancy, (3) barriers and facilitators to physical activity, (4) respondent demographics, pregnancy status, and anthropometrics, as well as domains outside the scope of the present manuscript, but published elsewhere, (5) eating patterns during pregnancy, and (6) willingness to engage in eating plans during pregnancy. 34,35 Each of the physical activity domains fell in-line with the basics of the FITT principle and highlighted each individual component of frequency, intensity, time, and type.…”

Gestational Early-Time Restricted Feeding Results in Sex-Specific Glucose Intolerance in Adult Male Mice

“…The diet is popular and interruptions in food intake are known to occur during pregnancy; however, research about the effects of fasting during pregnancy is limited to the observance of Ramadan, a cross-sectional study about attitudes toward the practice (3), and one case report of fasting to improve gestational diabetes (5). Detailed modeling of TRF in pregnancy is warranted, as TRE exists in human populations (3, 5) and effects are unknown.…”

“…During pregnancy, one may have periods of time with limited food intake for many reasons: religious practice, food insecurity, disordered eating behaviors, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy/morning sickness, changes in taste/food preferences, or intentional timing of eating for weight maintenance. A recent cross-sectional study about the attitudes toward TRE in pregnant or postpartum women was conducted and found that 23.7% of those surveyed said they were willing to try TRE during pregnancy (3). The most available literature examined fasting during the month of Ramadan while pregnant.…”