Association between Maternal Dietary Diversity and Neonatal Birth Size

Abstract

Around 16% of all newborn babies of the world which make a scientific number of 22 million were underweight. South Asia has the highest prevalence of underweight babies in the world, with one in four newborns weighing less than 2,500 grams [1]. Whereas, 12-25% of newborn babies are underweight in Pakistan [2,3]. Low birth weight is a significant predictor of prenatal mortality as well as morbidity [4]. Low birth weight increases the risk of diabetes, heart diseases and cancer [5]. Weight of the baby at birth is the outcome of maternal health and nutrition. Undernourishment within womb increases the chances of early death [6]. The survivors tend to have weak immune system and increased risk of disease. They have the probability to remain undernourished resulting in weak muscles and low mental abilities [7]. Therefore, it is inferred that maternal nutrition plays a major role in affecting the growth of fetus and birth outcomes. Studies have shown that insufficient consumption of important nutrients and less intake of energy during pregnancy will have detrimental health effects on adulthood [8]. Studies indicate that food taken during pregnancy has impending effects on Crimson Publishers Wings to the Research Research Article