INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy is a major life event during which women may experience increased psychological distress and changes in eating behaviors. However, few studies have investigated the influence of psychological distress on pregnant women's eating behaviors. The primary objective of this prospective study was to examine the associations of changes in perceived stress and depressive symptoms with emotional eating and nutritional intake during pregnancy. In addition, we examined the direct and moderating effects of perceived social support.

METHODS: Participants were racially diverse pregnant women (14-42 years) from 4 clinical sites in Detroit, MI, and Nashville, TN (N = 678). We used multiple linear and logistic regression models to determine if changes in stress and depressive symptoms across pregnancy were associated with changes in emotional eating and nutritional intake. We examined residualized change in stress and depressive symptoms from second to third trimester of pregnancy; positive residualized change scores indicated increased stress and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS: Participants showed significant improvement in emotional eating and nutritional intake from second to third trimester of pregnancy (P < .001 for both). At second trimester, higher depressive symptoms were associated with a greater likelihood of emotional eating (P < .001) and worse nutritional intake (P = .044) at third trimester. Increased stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were both associated with increased risk, whereas increased perceived social support reduced risk of emotional eating at third trimester (stress: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08-1.26; depressive symptoms: AOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; social support: AOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99). None were associated with changes in nutritional intake. Perceived social support did not show any moderating effects.

DISCUSSION: Increased psychological distress during pregnancy may increase emotional eating. Efforts to promote healthy eating behaviors among pregnant women should consider and address mental health.