Health-Related Habits and Nutrition of Pregnant Women in Serbia.

Abstract

Goals: The aim of this paper was to do a demographic analysis of the population of pregnant women in Serbia and to summarize data regarding: their health related habits during pandemic years, pregnancy course, and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health. Methods: The study was prospective observational non-randomized study in the public health. A group of 1,019 patients were included in this prospective cross-sectional observational study. The patients were assessed using a questionnaire designed by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics which was implemented cross-country in primary healthcare institutions during regular pregnancy visits. Data was collected during the first pandemic year in 2020. The IMB SPPS 27 program was used for descriptive statistical analysis of the collected data. Results: Out of the respondents 10.6% had elevated blood pressure. The mean fasting level of glucose was within the suggested limit. Almost all pregnant women were not on any special diet, and the most common special nutritional regime was a diabetic diet. Most respondents were non-smokers and most of them practiced some kind of recreation. Almost all pregnant women adhered to protective measures during the pandemic and more than half of them felt increased stress due to the situation. Conclusion: Our research suggests that despite the increased psychological pressure and restrictive measures which took place during the first pandemic year the Serbian population of pregnant women managed to follow majority of the health recommendations, including the protective measures from the COVID-19 virus.