Association of lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic with nutrient intake and physical activity levels during pregnancy in Japan

This study aimed to clarify the association of lifestyle changes due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with nutrient intake and physical activity levels during pregnancy in Japan. A cross-sectional study was conducted for pregnant Japanese women in 2020. Nutrient intake and physical activity levels were assessed using validated self-administered questionnaires. Participants who reported experiencing changes in both dietary habits and physical activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic were classified as the lifestyle-affected group. A total of 91 primiparas and 77 multiparas were analyzed. Among primiparas, intake of the following nutrients was significantly higher in the lifestyle-affected group than in the unaffected group: protein, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Among multiparas, the intake of total dietary fiber and β-carotene was significantly lower in the lifestyle-affected group. During an infectious disease pandemic, healthcare professionals should provide nutritional guidance taking into consideration the possibility of different effects according to parity.