Impact of a Gluten-Free Diet on Pregnancy Outcomes

A gluten-free diet (GFD) is gaining popularity, particularly among young women, including those without diagnosed celiac disease (CD). However, its safety during pregnancy is uncertain. This study aimed to assess the impact of a GFD on neonatal birth weight and the incidence of large for gestational age (LGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) births, as well as other obstetric outcomes.

Data were retrospectively gathered from January 2015 to April 2021 and dietary information was collected through self-reported questionnaires. The study included 79 women with CD and 291 women following a GFD without a CD diagnosis, referred to as people without CD avoiding gluten (PWAG). A control group of 456 omnivores was randomly selected for comparison and outcomes were evaluated by comparing the gluten-free groups to the control group.

The outcomes of the study revealed: 

• The median birth weight in the GFD group was higher than in the control group (3533 g vs. 3440 g), but the incidences of SGA and LGA were similar across the groups.
• The frequency of pregnancy complications was also comparable between both groups. 
• However, the GFD group experienced more frequent labor inductions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–2.08) and longer labor durations (aOR 1.56; 95% CI: 1.18–2.06), particularly among PWAG. 
• There was no significant difference in cesarean section rates between the groups.

In conclusion, this retrospective cohort study found no significant association between a GFD and negative pregnancy or neonatal outcomes.

Source: Reijonen JK, Tihtonen KMH, Luukkaala TH, Uotila JT. Gluten-free diet during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome: A retrospective cohort study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2025 Jan 10. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.16130. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39791270.