Low diet quality during pregnancy and postpartum is associated with numerous adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. This study examined relations of ultra-processed food intake with diet quality during pregnancy and postpartum. Using data from 24-h recalls, ultra-processed food intake was operationalized as percent energy intake from NOVA-classified ultra-processed foods; diet quality was measured using Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI) total and component scores. Pearson correlations examined associations of ultra-processed food intake with HEI total and component scores, and food group intake was compared across four levels of ultra-processed food intake. On average, ultra-processed food comprised 52.6 ± 15.1% (mean ± SD) of energy intake in pregnancy and 50.6 ± 16.6% in postpartum. Ultra-processed food intake was inversely correlated with HEI total and 8 of 13 component scores. Compared to participants with the highest ultra-processed food intake (≥60% energy), those with the lowest ultra-processed food intake (<40% energy) had a 17.6-point higher HEI total score and consumed 2−3 times more fruit, vegetables, and seafood and plant proteins, and 1½ times more total protein. Additionally, they consumed 2/3 as much refined grains and 1/2 as much added sugar. Greater ultra-processed food intake was associated with lower diet quality across most HEI components. Reducing ultra-processed food intake may broadly improve adherence to dietary guidelines in pregnant and postpartum populations.
Keywords: diet quality; postpartum; pregnancy; ultra-processed food.