Malnutrition in pregnancy; fatal complications.

What is malnutrition in pregnancy?

Malnutrition in pregnancy refers to a lack of proper nutrition in a woman during pregnancy. According to health news, malnutrition can lead to serious health complications for both the mother and the baby.Hence, It is important for pregnant women to receive proper prenatal care and nutrition to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

A picture showing malnutrition in pregnancy.
A pregnant, malnourished teenager.

Prevalence of malnutrition in pregnancy

This condition, is a significant public health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one in three women worldwide are affected by anemia during pregnancy, which is often caused by a lack of iron, folic acid, and other nutrients. Additionally, the prevalence of malnutrition in pregnancy varies depending on the region and socioeconomic status of the population. So, in developing countries, the prevalence of malnutrition in pregnancy is higher compared to developed countries.

Assessment

Malnutrition can be assessed using a variety of methods, including anthropometric measurements (e.g. weight, height, body mass index), clinical examination, and laboratory tests. Nutritional status can also be assessed by evaluating dietary intake and measuring levels of nutrients in the blood. In addition, functional assessments such as measuring muscle strength and assessing physical performance may be used. A combination of these methods is typically used to provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s nutritional status.

Picture showing what to do to prevent malnutrition in pregnancy
A balanced diet and exercise suitable in pregnancy.

Nutritional requirements in pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s nutritional needs increase to support the growth and development of the fetus. The following are some key nutrients that are particularly important during pregnancy:

Folic acid: This nutrient helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. The (CDC) recommends that all women who are of reproductive age should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This should be done at least 3 months to the conception of a child. One could do this, either through a supplement or fortified foods.

Iron: Pregnant women need extra iron to support the growth of the placenta and the development of the fetus’s blood cells. Additionally, iron-deficiency anemia is common during pregnancy, so it’s important for pregnant women to consume enough iron. Foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, and leafy vegetables are ideal sources.

Calcium: During pregnancy, extra calcium is needed to support the development of the fetus’s bones and teeth. Typically, milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy green vegetables are good sources.

Protein: Pregnant women need more protein to support the growth and development of the fetus, as well as the increased blood supply. Meat, fish, poultry, beans, and eggs are good sources.

Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats are important for the development of the fetus’s brain and eyes. Some good sources are fatty fishes such as salmon and albacore tuna. Others are flaxseed and walnuts.

It is also recommended that pregnant woman should avoid certain foods such as raw and undercooked meats. Also, they should avoid fish with high levels of mercury, such as swordfish, , king mackerel, tuna and catfish according to some sources.

Additionally, pregnant women should avoid alcohol and limit their caffeine intake.

Vital nutrients to prevent malnutrition in pregnancy.

Causes of malnutrition in pregnancy

Malnutrition during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors:

  • Lack of access to nutritious food
  • Poverty
  • Food insecurity
  • Poor dietary choices.

Other causes may include underlying medical conditions, such as anemia

Chronic diseases like crohns disease,

Ulcerative colitis

Liver or gallbladder diseases that may affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Additionally, cultural or societal factors, such as poor education and lack of access to healthcare, can contribute to malnutrition during pregnancy.

It’s important therefore, to note that all of these factors can have a compounding effect. Typically making it difficult for pregnant individuals to access the nutrition they need to have a healthy pregnancy.

Picture showing  malnutrition in pregnancy and poor access to healthcare
Poor aaccess to health care associated with malnutrition in pregnancy.

Consequences of malnutrition on the pregnant woman

Malnutrition during pregnancy can have serious implications for both the mother and the baby. For the mother, it can increase the risk of obstetric complications such as pre-eclampsia, anemia, and premature labor. Thereby, increasing the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality.

Effects on the baby

On a short- term basis, while the baby is still in the womb, it can lead to a low birth weight, increased risk of fetal infections, and developmental delays in the baby.

Long – term implications may include physical and cognitive impairment. Undernutrition during the first two years of life can lead to stunted growth, which is associated with a higher risk of disease and death. In addition, malnutrition during early childhood can lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease later in life. Therefore, it is important to ensure that babies receive adequate nutrition to support their growth and development.

Treatment for malnutrition in pregnancy

It typically involves a combination of dietary changes and supplements. Expectant mothers who are malnourished may be advised to consume more protein, iron, and folic acid, as well as other important nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. Also, supplements such as prenatal vitamins may be recommended. In some cases, a referral to a specialist, such as a dietitian or nutritionist, may be necessary to develop a personalized dietary plan.

The Nigerian perspective

According to Vanguard news, about 68 percent of pregnant Nigerian women are anaemic. This is a large percentage that is affected. Hence attempts have been made to collaborate with organizations involved in the management of maternal health. Pathfinder is one of such organizations.

In conclusion, complications of malnutrition in pregnancy are some of the leading causes of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. Hence we should strive to stay abreast of strategies that may help tackle this global issue. Till next time!

57 COMMENTS

  1. You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.

  2. Rastreador de celular – Aplicativo de rastreamento oculto que registra localização, SMS, áudio de chamadas, WhatsApp, Facebook, foto, câmera, atividade de internet. Melhor para controle dos pais e monitoramento de funcionários. Rastrear Telefone Celular Grátis – Programa de Monitoramento Online.

  3. Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you

  4. Awsome info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thank you 🙂

  5. I like the helpful info you supply on your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again right here frequently. I’m moderately sure I will be told lots of new stuff proper here! Good luck for the next!

  6. Does your website have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

  7. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you However I’m experiencing subject with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting identical rss downside? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  8. Hiya, I am really glad I’ve found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and web and this is actually irritating. A good web site with exciting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

  9. you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a wonderful job on this topic!

  10. After I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any manner you may take away me from that service? Thanks!

  11. Hi there very cool web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally?KI’m glad to find so many useful info right here within the publish, we’d like work out extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  12. I’m really inspired along with your writing abilities and also with the layout in your weblog. Is that this a paid theme or did you customize it your self? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a great blog like this one these days..

  13. There are definitely loads of particulars like that to take into consideration. That could be a nice point to carry up. I supply the thoughts above as common inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you bring up the place the most important factor can be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, but I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a good game. Each boys and girls really feel the impact of only a second’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

  14. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i am happy to convey that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not forget this site and give it a look on a constant basis.

  15. Hello! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!

  16. Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

  17. Greetings from California! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I love the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome blog!

  18. We are a group of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with helpful info to work on. You’ve done an impressive task and our entire neighborhood will likely be thankful to you.

  19. What i do not understood is if truth be told how you’re not actually a lot more well-appreciated than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You already know therefore considerably with regards to this subject, produced me for my part believe it from numerous various angles. Its like men and women are not fascinated unless it¦s something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always care for it up!

  20. I have been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours. It is pretty price sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the web will probably be much more helpful than ever before.

  21. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such wonderful info being shared freely out there.

  22. Hey very cool web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also?KI am glad to seek out a lot of helpful information here in the put up, we need work out more strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  23. Unquestionably believe that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the net the easiest thing to take into account of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed whilst other people think about issues that they just do not recognise about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , folks could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thanks

  24. I’ll right away take hold of your rss feed as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me recognise so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  25. I was just looking for this info for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Normally the top web sites are full of garbage.

LEAVE A REPLY