Malnutrition in Pregnancy Causes and Prevention

Abstract

Malnutrition remains the world’s most serious public health problem and the single biggest contributor to maternal and child mortality. Adequate nutrition is important for all stages of life especially during pregnancy, as pregnancy is a time of heightened nutritional vulnerability. The paper expressed that malnutrition in pregnancy occurs when a pregnant woman does not consume the proper amount of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, and consequently their physical function is impaired. The paper categorized malnutrition into three groups, namely: under-nutrition, over-nutrition and imbalance. Causes of malnutrition in pregnancy were highlighted to include: ignorance, poverty, Agriculture and food production, illness and infection and culture. Bleeding, severe nausea and vomiting, decline in baby’s activity level, early contractions in the third trimester, amniotic fluid breaks and a persistent severe headache, abdominal pain, visual disturbance and swelling were among the identified signs and symptoms of malnutrition in pregnancy. The paper also discussed malnutrition in pregnancy to have higher risks for maternal mortality, miscarriage, dental problems, anaemia, still birth, premature birth, birth defects among others. Prevention of malnutrition discussed in this paper includes eating a variety of food, balancing food choices among others. However, health educators should create awareness through seminars and workshops in the communities, schools and media on the need to always provide pregnant mothers with good meals and encourage them not to eat junks or stay hungry unnecessarily in order to prevent malnutrition from occurring and promote wellbeing.