Dietary Intake of Acrylamide during Pregnancy and Its Relation with Birth Weight and Head Circumference of Newborns

Maternal diet during pregnancy is an important factor for a healthy growing newborn. A regular maternal acrylamide intake may affect the nutritional status of newborn. The study aimed to assess the dietary intake of acrylamide for Egyptian pregnant women and its association with birth weight and head circumference of their newborns. A cross sectional study was conducted on 200 pregnant women at 3rd trimester attending El-Shatby Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital for delivery and their newborns as well. Data about socio-demographic characteristics and frequency of foods containing high levels of acrylamide consumption were collected from each pregnant woman. Birth weight and head circumference were measured for each newborn immediately after delivery. Dietary acrylamide intake was 41.8 g/day. Birth weight and head circumference had a reverse significant association with high intake of acrylamide. The intake of acrylamide during pregnancy should be monitored along with checking any changes in the fetal weight during the antenatal visits. Awareness of the pregnant women should be raised about the acrylamide containing foods to decrease its consumption. Healthy diet should be eaten during pregnancy.