The Effects of Nutrition in Pregnancy on the Fetal Development

Aim: The aim of this review is to evaluate recent literature regarding effects of nutrition on fetal development. Main findings: Previous studies show that maternal factors such as age, nutrition, and stress are able to have negative effects on fetal development during pregnancy. The role of maternal nutrition on human pregnancy is still unclear but undoubtedly crucial. The dietary recommendations for pregnant women before and during pregnancy are similar to those for other adults, with a few exceptions. The main recommendation is to keep a healthy and balanced diet; however, there are some specific recommendations related to daily supplementation of minerals and vitamins during pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects. Maternal nutritional status during the period of conception is an important determinant of fetal growth and development. The relationship between maternal nutrition and low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and spontaneous abortus are reported in the literature. Furthermore, maternal nutritional factors associated with different kinds of birth defects such as neural tube defects, oral cleft, cardiovascular, central neural, respiratory, and urinary system defects. Result: Therefore, further researchs are need for the effects of maternal nutrition on fetal growth