A pregnant woman can have severe malnutrition during pregnancy. This condition can lead to other complications such as dehydration and constipation. Here are some symptoms of malnutrition during pregnancy. You should know about them so you can take necessary measures. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. Also, you should be careful about the foods that you eat, since they can affect your baby’s health.
Severe malnutrition
Severe malnutrition during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and congenital malformations. It is also linked to increased risk of perinatal mortality. Treatment with LVPs is an effective option to maintain and restore nutritional status of the mother and fetus. This treatment reduces the risk of perinatal mortality and adverse outcomes.
Marasmus
Marasmus is a condition wherein a pregnant woman is undernourished and has limited food intake during pregnancy. It can also be a sign of an underlying comorbid condition. Children with marasmus are often underweight and will suffer from poor growth. The resulting stunted growth is difficult to reverse. In addition, marasmus can cause anorexia, which is a serious disorder that can lead to death.
Marasmus is treated by providing a high-energy diet and administering medications to the patient. If dehydration is present, the doctor may administer fluids intravenously or via an intragastric tube. If the diarrhoea is infected, fluids may be placed in the peritoneal cavity. Treatment should include sulphonamides and tetracycline, which are both given simultaneously. Eating high-protein foods, especially vegetables and fruit, can help the body recover from marasmus.
Treatment for marasmus varies, depending on the severity of the disease. While severe marasmus can result in poor prognosis, milder forms have better outcomes. Patients with marasmus will likely need more calories than usual for their age, and they may not be able to process the food. In addition, doctors may provide small amounts of food through a tube to be administered directly to the child.
Food insecurity
Food insecurity can have major negative consequences for the health of pregnant women and their babies. Recent studies have shown that women whose household is suffering from food insecurity experience an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Additionally, these women have increased nutritional needs, both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In addition, food insecurity has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, low birth weight, and higher rates of congenital defects and diseases like Tetralogy of Fallot.
Food insecurity is widespread around the world. It is most common in countries in the African continent. In fact, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that in 2020, nearly 60 million people will be food insecure in Africa. In contrast, about eight percent of the population in North America and Europe will be food insecure.
A statewide survey of California women who recently gave birth showed that almost a fifth of pregnant women reported experiencing food insecurity, or having more bills than they could pay. Additionally, nearly 18 percent of pregnant women reported losing their jobs due to their spouses or partners. Moreover, 7% of women experienced divorce or separation during pregnancy. In addition, 3.3% of pregnant women experienced domestic violence, including incarceration.
In Africa, anaemia has been reported to be responsible for about 20% of maternal deaths. Anaemia is often accompanied by iron and folate deficiency. A study in Ethiopia found that only 16.8% of pregnant women received iron tablets during pregnancy.
Nutritional status of child bearing mothers
Maternal malnutrition can be a cause of low birth weight and stillbirth. However, optimal nutrition of the mother and fetus is essential to minimize adverse health effects. Several international and regional interventions to improve maternal nutrition are underway. These efforts should be redoubled to address the growing problem of maternal malnutrition in developing countries.
Child malnutrition is associated with poverty, low education, and poor access to health care. It is also associated with inadequate family planning. The number of children born in a woman’s lifetime significantly increases her risk of being undernourished. To reduce the risk of malnutrition, it is best to wait at least two or three years between births to allow the mother to rebuild her nutritional reserves.
Moreover
A woman’s nutritional status also influences her ability to care for her infant. When a woman is well-nourished, she can better provide for her child and herself. She will also be less likely to give birth to low-birth-weight babies. Women who earned more money than their male partners had lower risk of malnutrition.
