abstract

One of the dietary patterns that has been examined the most in terms of its impact on health is the Mediterranean diet. It is distinguished by a moderate consumption of dairy products, eggs, red meat, and wine, as well as a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and nuts. In terms of nutrition, the diet is rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, and low in saturated fats. Numerous reviews and meta-analyses have proven the association between this eating pattern and various ailments, including cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers. Because of its advantages, it is particularly intriguing during pregnancy, as it has been linked to favorable outcomes for fetal development, the avoidance of neural tube defects, preterm birth, asthma and childhood allergies, maternal and fetal body weight, various fetal cardiometabolic markers, and skin conditions in infants, among other things. Pregnant women have been found to have low levels of nutritional knowledge, and there is limited adherence to healthy eating advice during pregnancy, despite the data supporting the benefits of this dietary pattern. These habits may be improved by increasing knowledge of the health hazards that poor gestational practices provide to both the mother and the fetus. Furthermore, because pregnant women are extremely driven to give their all for their unborn children, gestation is the perfect time to encourage good habits. Accordingly, the intervention that has the best chance of enhancing dietary and nutritional understanding as well as lifestyle is dietary counseling. In order to enhance pregnancy success, the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the significance of health providers offering nutrition education at each prenatal visit.