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INTRODUCTION

1 NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY

To maintain a healthy pregnancy, a balanced and nourishing dietary pattern is essential for expectant mothers. This practice supports the mother’s health and the baby’s development, ensuring optimal fetal growth and preparing the mother for the demands of childbirth and postpartum recovery [1]. Proper nutrition optimizes pregnancy outcomes and reduces adverse outcomes such as gestational diabetes and low birth weight while promoting overall health for the mother and baby [2]. By prioritizing nutrition, women can significantly improve health outcomes for themselves and their children [3].

Adequate intake of essential nutrients supports development of fetal organ systems and can help prevent birth defects, developmental delays, and chronic health conditions. Furthermore, the intrauterine environment plays a crucial role in shaping the metabolic health of the fetus, affecting the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood [4]. Perturbations in the intrauterine environment from maternal disease, malnutrition, or overnutrition can alter the structure and function of fetal organs, potentially increasing the risk of health complications [5]…(see article link for full publication).