Malnutrition is a nutritional imbalance in the body due to improper diet. It is a harmful condition especially to pregnant women because it also affects the nourishment of baby in her womb.
What are the Effects of Malnutrition during Pregnancy
- Effects of malnutrition are commonly carried by the child such as cognitive impairment and low IQ.
- The baby is also prone to retarded growth, weak immune system, and other deficiencies
- The baby may have low birth weight
- Pregnant woman is prone to anemia increasing mortality rate of mortality of mother and child at birth
- Pregnant woman is prone to premature delivery, postpartum hemmorhage, and labor difficulty
- Uterus might not be able to support growth of healthy placenta, affecting the fetus
- Malnourished mother will have problem on lactation due to lack of proper nutrients
Signs of Malnutrition during Pregnancy
- Physical changes that can be seen by the naked eye helps determine the nutritional condition of a pregnant lady.
- Anemia
- Evident weight loss
- Mood swings
- Brittle hair and nails
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Edema
- Dry and scaly skin
- Weakness, weak muscles and joint pains
- Chronic diarrhea
- Goiter
- Unexplained exhaustion and fatigue
Home Remedies to Avoid Malnutrition during Pregnancy
- During early stages of pregnancy, most women experience queasiness making them lose appetite. Some women are also picky when it comes to their diet therefore losing much needed nutrients in the process.Eating small meals throughout the day is advisable.
- A balanced diet which include green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk, and fish.
- Diet should include food rich in calories, calcium, fiber, iron, vitamins and protein.
- Regular visit to an OB-gyne is a must for proper monitoring of both the mother and baby’s condition, so that if any problem or complication is seen, immediate treatment can be done.