Short title: Reproductive factors, lifestyle and dietary habits of Greenlandic pregnant women

What is it about?

Summary: In this cross-sectional study we observed that among 373 pregnant Inuit women recruited in 2013-2015 from five Greenlandic regions (West, Disko Bay, South, north and east), that 40% were overweight (BMI >25.0 kg/m2). Smoking frequency during pregnancy was 29%, significantly decreased than before. However, the number of women who smoke during pregnancy is still too high and require efforts to reduce smoking. Among participants, 55% had hashish use history. More than half (54.7%) planned to breastfeed for the recommended ≥ 6 months. The intake of traditional Greenlandic food among all participants constituted 12%. Compared to earlier studies there is a clearly decreasing intake of traditional food over time. Alcohol consumption decreased to < 1 time a month during pregnancy for all participants who had reported their alcohol consumption. Pregnant women older than 28 years of age had higher BMI, educational level, personal income, previous pregnancies, planned breastfeeding period and less consumption of hashish than younger pregnant women. Participants from region east had the lowest educational level and the highest prevalence of smokers during pregnancy (73.7%) and the most frequent intake of sauce with hot meals and fast food. Future recommendations aim at pregnant women in Greenland should focus on the risk of smoking during pregnancy, the benefits of breastfeeding, and promote healthy eating habits including non-fat healthy traditional food items.

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