title: How maternal malnutrition affects linear growth and development in the offspring.
abstract: Maternal malnutrition is common in the developing world and has detrimental effects on both the mother and infant. Pre-pregnancy nutritional status and weight gain during pregnancy are positively related to fetal growth and development. Internationally, there is no agreement on the method of diagnosis or treatment of moderate or severe malnutrition during pregnancy. Establishing clear guidelines for diagnosis and treatment will be essential in elevating the problem. Possible anthropometric measurements used to detect and monitor maternal malnutrition include pre-pregnancy BMI, weight gain, and mid upper arm circumference. Food supplements have the potential to increase gestational weight gain and energy intake which are positively associated with fetal growth and development. Overall more studies are needed to conclude the impact of food/nutrient supplements on infant growth in undernourished pregnant women in developing countries. Currently, a study underway may provide much needed documentation of the benefits of treating malnutrition in pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, USA. Electronic address: ppapatha@calpoly.edu.
authors.forename: Peggy C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Papathakis
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Manary
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy
keywords: Birth length; Food supplementation; Low birth weight; Maternal malnutrition; Offspring development