Higher energy intake at night effects daily energy distribution and contributes to excessive weight gain during pregnancy

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of nighttime energy intake on daily energy and macronutrient distribution and weight gain during pregnancy. This was a prospective cohort study carried out with 100 pregnant women and the data collection occurred once per trimester. A dietary intake was assessed by three 24-h dietary recalls in each trimester, totaling nine dietary recalls. The distribution of energy and macronutrient intake was evaluated at meals throughout the day in each trimester and overall pregnancy. Women were classified as having “lower” or “higher” nighttime intake (1900 to 0559) if consumption in this period were below or above the median of the population, respectively, for at least two trimesters. Recommendations from the Institute of Medicine were used to assess the adequacy of weight gain. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine the effects of nighttime intake and gestational trimesters on daily energy distribution and weight gain. In overall pregnancy, the higher group consumed a higher percentage of energy and macronutrients in the evening meals, and less energy, proteins, and lipids in morning meals when compared with the lower group. Also, women in the higher group had greater excessive weight gain in the third trimester compared with the lower group. Pregnant women with a higher energy intake at night had a lower percentage of energy, protein, and lipid intake in morning meals and a higher percentage of energy and macronutrient intake in the evening meals during pregnancy. A worse standard of gestational weight gain in the third trimester was also observed in pregnant women with a higher energy intake at night. •This study analyzed longitudinal effect of nighttime intake on weight gain.•Higher nighttime intake influenced lower energy intake in morning meals.•Higher nighttime intake affected excessive weight gain in the third trimester.