Abstract
Background and Aims: Pregnancy and childbirth are periods in which physiological and psychological changes are experienced together in terms of expectant mother and father. The study aimed to investigate the effect of pregnancy on instinctive eating habits in father candidates and the relationship between gestational diabetes and this habit.

Methods: This is a prospective study. Patients who applied to our clinic in the pre-pregnancy period between March 2017 and May 2020 were included in the study. Patients with risk factors for gestational diabetes were followed up together with their spouses. Participants were divided into two groups as those with and without gestational diabetes. The groups were compared in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, the number of pregnancies, and birth weights.

Results: Among 299 pregnant women aged 26-36 in this study, 199 (66.5%) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The mean age was higher in the group diagnosed with gestational diabetes (p<0.001). In 113 (56.8%) of the gestational diabetes patients, blood sugar regulation was achieved with diet, and insulin therapy was required in 86 (43.2%) patients. When the weights of the patients and their spouses were compared before and after pregnancy, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of initial and final weights. It was determined that dietary compliance was higher in spouses of pregnant women with gestational diabetes (p<0.001 vs. p=0.039).

Conclusions: Gestational diabetes is more common in elderly patients; it can fight the disease with diet compliance. Dietary compliance of pregnant women and spouses is parallel, and this situation emerges due to lifestyle changes.

Key words: Gestational Diabetes, Weight Gain, Paternal