Poor diet during pregnancy may restrict baby growth, say gynaecologists
August 16, 2026 12:01 am
A baby bump…Photo Credit: VIRGINIA CENTER FOR
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
Iyanuoluwa Abiola
Maternal health experts have stressed the importance of healthy diets during pregnancy, warning that poor nutrition and malnutrition can restrict foetal growth and increase the risk of low birth weight, premature birth and, in severe cases, foetal death
The gynaecologists noted that the foetus depends on nutrients supplied by the mother through the placenta for normal growth and development
The physicians who spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise warned that micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy could impair foetal growth and increase the risk of congenital birth defects
The World Health Organisation states that a woman’s nutritional status before and during pregnancy plays a key role in foetal growth and development
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists defines foetal growth restriction as a condition in which a foetus is smaller than expected for its gestational age and notes that it is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. ACOG also states that foetal growth restriction is associated with a significant increase in the risk of stillbirth
A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr Jimoh Saheed, explained that nutrients required for foetal development are transferred from the mother to the baby through the placenta
He noted that glucose, amino acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals were among the essential nutrients required for the baby’s growth
“Severe malnutrition can lead to affectation of the growth of the baby in a natural sense,” he stated
Saheed explained that severe malnutrition during pregnancy could occur when a woman was not taking enough nutrients, when her body was unable to absorb them adequately or when illness caused her to lose nutrients
He identified diarrhoeal disease, coeliac disease, HIV and tuberculosis among conditions that could contribute to nutritional deficiency, while excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy could also make adequate nutrient intake difficult
The gynaecologist particularly highlighted protein and energy deficiency because of the role of protein in fetal growth
“If the baby is not getting enough amino acids and protein from the mother, the baby is not likely to grow very well,” he explained
Saheed added that folic acid and iron deficiencies could contribute to anaemia, while inadequate calcium and vitamin D could also affect maternal health and pregnancy outcomes
According to the consultant, severe nutritional deficiency could leave babies at risk of low birth weight and premature delivery, while severe fetal growth restriction could become life-threatening if not detected and managed
“The immediate risk for the baby who is having intrauterine growth restriction is that, if it continues without being managed properly or being attended to, it can lead to intrauterine foetal deaths or fetal loss,” Saheed cautioned
The consultant explained that once severe malnutrition was detected, management could require an obstetrician, dietitian, physician and sonologist, with ultrasound examinations used to monitor the baby’s growth and wellbeing
He urged pregnant women with severe nutritional deficiency to seek medical attention promptly, stressing that early detection and appropriate management could improve the chances of protecting both mother and baby
Also speaking, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Dr Sule Abdullahi, said severe malnutrition during pregnancy could affect the mother’s health as well as the development of the unborn baby
He explained that poor nutrition could weaken the mother’s immune system, increasing her susceptibility to infections, while also causing general weakness and anaemia
Abdullahi stressed that severe anaemia during pregnancy could become life-threatening
“It can cause anaemia, which is a low blood level in the system. And this anaemia, when it is there, when it is severe, it’s one of the causes of maternal mortality,” he stated
Speaking about the baby, the gynaecologist explained that the developing foetus depends on nutrients supplied by the mother for the formation of its organs, bones, muscles, brain and other body systems
“So, if the mother is severely malnourished, or she lacks some of the micronutrients, during the baby’s formation, some of the systems can be affected,” he explained
Abdullahi noted that when nutrients required during the formation of an organ or body system were unavailable, its development could be affected, potentially leaving the system unable to function properly after birth
He further linked severe maternal nutritional deficiency with premature delivery, warning that babies born before term could face serious complications because their organs and body systems were not sufficiently mature
He explained that premature babies could have difficulty maintaining their body temperature and could be more vulnerable to infections
The gynaecologist also highlighted neonatal jaundice among possible complications, explaining that an immature liver may not adequately process bilirubin in premature babies
He warned that severe jaundice, if not properly treated, could allow bilirubin to accumulate and damage the brain
The gynaecologist stressed the seriousness of premature birth, particularly for newborn survival
“Preterm delivery is one of the leading causes of neonatal death,” he noted
Abdullahi urged pregnant women experiencing persistent vomiting, weakness or other conditions affecting their nutritional intake to seek medical care rather than allowing the problem to persist
Another Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof. Ernest Orji, affirmed that severe malnutrition during pregnancy could cause foetal growth restriction
“Yes, it can cause it,” he stated
Orji explained that inadequate nutrition could affect the growth and development of the unborn baby, noting that the consequences could extend beyond birth
“It can affect the growth of the baby. It will not be doing well anymore,” he stated
He warned that severe cases could become fatal, with the baby at risk of dying before or shortly after birth
“The baby will die inside the womb, and die soon after birth,” he cautioned
Orji therefore urged pregnant women to pay close attention to their nutritional needs and seek medical attention when they were unable to eat adequately or were experiencing conditions that could result in nutritional deficiency
He also called on healthcare providers to identify and manage severe malnutrition during pregnancy early, stressing that timely intervention could help protect the growth and development of the unborn baby
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Contact: theeditor@punchng.com
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