Maternal Nutrition and Birth Outcomes

Abu-Saad, Kathleen; Fraser, Drora

doi:10.1093/epirev/mxq001

Cited by 503 publications

(432 citation statements)

References 120 publications

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“…This conclusion is in keeping with quantitative genetic reports that BW at full term (44), and associations between BW and later cognitive outcome (44,45), are largely determined by non-genetic sources of variation. The fact that environmental influences on neurocognitive development are not "drowned out" by genetic variation is highly relevant from a public health perspective because (i) there is greater potential to optimize neurodevelopment outcomes through modification of the prenatal environment than by modification of genes; and (ii) it is a favorable (but not sufficient) condition for the success of any potential population-level attempt to modify neurodevelopmental outcomes through environmental interventions targeted at BW optimization (46).…”

Section: Modeling Prenatal Environmental Influences On Brain Developmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prenatal growth in humans and postnatal brain maturation into late adolescence

Raznahan

Greenstein²,

Lee³

et al. 2012

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

177

179

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Prenatal life encompasses a critical phase of human brain development, but neurodevelopmental consequences of normative differences in prenatal growth among full-term pregnancies remain largely uncharted. Here, we combine the power of a withinmonozygotic twin study design with longitudinal neuroimaging methods that parse dissociable components of structural brain development between ages 3 and 30 y, to show that subtle variations of the in utero environment, as indexed by mild birth weight (BW) variation within monozygotic pairs, are accompanied by statistically significant (i) differences in postnatal intelligence quotient (IQ) and (ii) alterations of brain anatomy that persist at least into late adolescence. Greater BW within the normal range confers a sustained and generalized increase in brain volume, which in the cortical sheet, is specifically driven by altered surface area rather than cortical thickness. Surface area is maximally sensitive to BW variation within cortical regions implicated in the biology of several mental disorders, the risk for which is modified by normative BW variation. We complement this near-experimental test of prenatal environmental influences on human brain development by replicating anatomical findings in dizygotic twins and unrelated singletons. Thus, using over 1,000 brain scans, across three independent samples, we link subtle differences in prenatal growth, within ranges seen among the majority of human pregnancies, to protracted surface area alterations, that preferentially impact later-maturing associative cortices important for higher cognition. By mapping the sensitivity of postnatal human brain development to prenatal influences, our findings underline the potency of in utero life in shaping postnatal outcomes of neuroscientific and public health importance.P renatal life encompasses a foundational and universally critical phase of human brain development. Consequently, research aimed at understanding how prenatal influences play out in later life cannot only illuminate mechanisms of fundamental importance to basic developmental neuroscience, but may also have public health implications.Exquisite sensitivity of the developing brain to prenatal environmental insults has been well established through experimental animal models (1). In humans, where experimental approaches are not feasible, numerous observational studies have linked frank insults during prenatal life [as indexed by premature delivery (2); abnormally low birth weight for gestational age (3); and maternal exposure to radiation (4) or starvation (5)], to altered postnatal brain development. However, by virtue of their relative rarity, such frank prenatal insults may be less impactful at the population level than more subtle variations of the in utero environment occurring among the uncomplicated pregnancies from which most people are born (6). Evidence that subtle alterations of the prenatal environment may have meaningful consequences for postnatal development in humans can be found in large-scale epidemiolog...

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Section: Modeling Prenatal Environmental Influences On Brain Developmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prenatal growth in humans and postnatal brain maturation into late adolescence

Raznahan

Greenstein²,

Lee³

et al. 2012

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

177

179

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“…Studies have also shown existence of practices and beliefs like denying pregnant and lactating women of known nutritious food items owing to their traditional food habits. [1][2][3] In India most food practices and traditions have stemmed from deeply rooted traditions and customs. These food practices can be attributed to malnutrition, which in turn is linked to poverty, food insecurity, unhygienic practices and traditional beliefs.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Beliefs and practices regarding nutrition during pregnancy and lactation in a rural area in Karnataka, India: a qualitative study

Nisha

Roger

et al. 2015

Int J Community Med Public Health

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INTRODUCTIONNutrition plays a quintessential role with regard to maternal and child health. However, this aspect is inevitably interlinked to perceived notions and beliefs with regard to food to be consumed by pregnant and lactating women. Studies have also shown existence of practices and beliefs like denying pregnant and lactating women of known nutritious food items owing to their traditional food habits. [1][2][3] In India most food practices and traditions have stemmed from deeply rooted traditions and customs. These food practices can be attributed to malnutrition, which in turn is linked to poverty, food insecurity, unhygienic practices and traditional beliefs. 4 Beliefs are crucial in the acceptance, rejection and promotion of certain food items. These beliefs are the products of social interactions and faith which are entrenched in the minds of the community. Many of these food practices arise from the ignorance about the nutritive value of food. Most often certain cultural beliefs and practices concerning food items are due to ignorance. ABSTRACTBackground: Poor maternal nutrition adversely affects pregnancy and birth outcomes, particularly vulnerable are the rural women in a rural setting. A lactating mother"s nutritional requirement should meet needs of self and that of an infant. In most rural communities this situation is further complicated by food taboos, consequently either adding to or leading to additional negative balance of nutrients. Aims: To assess the food practices and beliefs during pregnancy and lactation among women residing in a rural area of Bangalore urban district. Methods: Study was conducted during the period of January to March 2014 among the women residing under the Sarjapur PHC, Bangalore. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in Depth Interviews (IDIs). Thematic frame work approach was used for data analysis. Results: A total of four FGDs and twelve IDIs were conducted. Good practices included consuming green leafy vegetables, rice, bread, jowar, meat, egg and fruits like apple and mosambi. The practices which may potentially harm the health included avoidance of food items like ragi, papaya, mango and guava during pregnancy and reduced water consumption during the post natal period. Beliefs like "casting an evil eye" or "colour of the baby" had an influence on the food given to antenatal mother. Conclusions: The study found numerous food items which are nutritious and safe and available locally either restricted or denied thus making women (pregnant and lactating) and infants vulnerable. There is need for health education programs in rural areas regarding nutrition which will in turn improve the maternal and child health.

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“…Maternal nutritional status is a strong predictor of foetal growth and development, with maternal obesity, adiposity, and excessive GWG in particular being associated not only with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, but also with adverse birth outcomes such as pre-term birth, still birth, and macrosomia (birth weight > 4 kg) [11,12]. Sub-optimal growth and development, as well as exposure to pregnancy-associated metabolic risk factors, may increase susceptibility to NCDs in later life for both mother and infant [13,14].…”

Section: Maternal Nutrition and Physical Activity During Pregnancymentioning

confidence: 99%

Maternal and early life nutrition and physical activity: setting the research and intervention agenda for addressing the double burden of malnutrition in South African children

Prioreschi

Wrottesley

Draper

et al. 2017

Global Health Action

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Early life is important for later health outcomes, yet there are few studies which adequately address all of the potential early life insults that may affect later life health and growth trajectories. This is particularly evident in low- to middle-income countries such as South Africa, where women of childbearing age are particularly vulnerable to high levels of physical inactivity, malnutrition, and obesity. Pregnancy may therefore be an opportune time to change behaviours and improve maternal and offspring health outcomes, and decrease the inter-generational transfer of risk. We show clear evidence that physical activity and nutrition are important target areas for intervention during pregnancy and in the early years of life, yet that current literature in Africa, and specifically South Africa, is limited. We have outlined the available literature concerning the impact of maternal and early life nutrition and physical activity on the health status of South African children, and have provided some recommendations for future research and policy.

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Maternal Nutrition and Birth Outcomes

Cited by 503 publications

References 120 publications

Prenatal growth in humans and postnatal brain maturation into late adolescence

Prenatal growth in humans and postnatal brain maturation into late adolescence

Beliefs and practices regarding nutrition during pregnancy and lactation in a rural area in Karnataka, India: a qualitative study

Maternal and early life nutrition and physical activity: setting the research and intervention agenda for addressing the double burden of malnutrition in South African children

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