Use of Automated Self-administered 24-hour Recalls (ASA24-2011) and Diet Quality Scores to Characterize Women who Met or Exceeded Weight Gain Recommendations during Pregnancy

Understanding dietary patterns of women who exceed gestational weight gain (GWG) recommendations is crucial to promote healthier pregnancies. This study assessed nutrient intake, diet quality and GWG of participants in the Pregnancy, Exercise, and Nutrition (PEN) feasibility study who met or exceeded weight gain recommendations during pregnancy. The ASA24-2011, a web-based tool, was used to collect dietary intake data and dietary quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010 and the Diet Quality Index-Pregnancy (DQI-P). Fifty-three percent of PEN participants exceeded the 2009 IOM GWG recommendations; no significant associations were found between reported dietary quality and gestational weight gain.