the genetic potential of growth is achieved, imposes additional burden which results in the poor growth of the foetus and birth of growth retarded child. b) Multiple nutrient deficiencies. Multiple nutrient deficiencies is due to poor diet are markedly aggravated during UNIT. - - Nutrition in pregnancy, lactation and infancy pregnancy.
The incidence of anaemia, signs and symptoms of B complex vitamin deficiency such as angular stomatitis, glossitis, tingling and numbness, burning feet are common among low socio economic group. Serum levels of many nutrients such as serum iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, riboflavin, vitamin A and bone density are significantly lower in women from low income group as compared to the well to do women. c) Maternal mortality Anaemia, heavy bleeding and toxaemia seems to contribute to nearly - % of maternal death, indicating that maternal malnutrition is a major determinant of high maternal mortality. d) Placental function There is an impairment in placental function due to maternal malnutrition.
Earlier opinion that placenta could function normally at the expenses of maternal resources is now been a question. Conduct a survey among pregnant women and find out weight gain during trimesters. Activity : st month th month th month th month th month th month th month nd month rd month Fig . Stages of foetal growth UNIT.
- - Nutrition in pregnancy, lactation and infancy . . Effects of maternal malnutrition on the foetus a) Congenital malformations in the foetus Foetal wastage is high in low- income population, one can assume that dietary deficiencies do contribute to higher incidence of congenital malformations. The incidence is much higher if mothers have suffered from viral infection such as rubella, influenza etc.
b) Birth weight The birth weight of infant is influenced by many factors such as maternal age, parity, height, altitude, ethnic origin and socioeconomic status. Since mother’s belonging to low income groups are lighter and shorter, it may be argued that the low birth weight observed in this population is an effect of