Covariate data were obtained via several methods, including medical records, maternal self-report, and measurements and questions by midwives and nutritionists.

Maternal obstetrical and sociodemographic information were collected by midwives and nutritionists. Maternal weight and height were computed, and BMI was determined during the first trimester. Information on social class was determined based on education and occupation. Relevant information concerning the birth (i.e., infant’s sex, gestational age) was sourced from hospital obstetric records. Mothers were questioned regarding their selected infant feeding methods. Dietary patterns were evaluated retrospectively using a validated 45-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), self-administered during 3 trimesters of gestation. Dietitians conducted the analysis of the FFQ. Missing values in the MedDiet score during pregnancy (1.0%) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score (3.1%) variables were imputed using the mean of the available non-missing cases. While citations were provided for several of the questionnaires (FFQ, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)), no additional information was provided on reliability and validity.

Kou, 2024, 11785178

Study evaluation