Maternal macro- and micronutrient intake six months after hypertensive versus normotensive pregnancy: is poor diet quality contributing to future cardiometabolic disease risk?

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive pregnancy is associated with increased long-term cardiometabolic disease risk. Assessing dietary intake patterns after hypertensive (HP) versus normotensive pregnancy (NP) may provide insights into the mechanism of this risk. METHODS: This study was a prospective sub-study of the P4 (Postpartum, Physiology, Psychology and Paediatrics) cohort. Women were studied six months after NP versus HP (preeclampsia or gestational hypertension). Dietary energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intake were measured using a three-day food diary (FoodWorks™) and assessed against Australian and New Zealand Nutrient Reference Values to determine nutritional adequacy. Comparisons between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women were assessed, and linear regression modelling (using hypertensive status, breastfeeding status, and demographic/pregnancy variables) performed to assess predictors of energy intake. RESULTS: Seventy-four women (60 NP, 14 HP) were included. HP women had higher mean body mass index (p = 0.02) and lower breastfeeding rates (29% HP versus 83% NP, p