Effect of Maternal Nutrition and Micronutrient Supplementation on Neonatal Birth Weight and Health: Maternal Nutrition and Neonatal Health

Sanodia Afridi; Sana Rehman Joya; Bela Inayat; Sara Mariyum; Omaima Kalsoom; Hajra Imtiaz

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i3.2905

Authors

Sanodia Afridi Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Health Net Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Sana Rehman Joya Department of Community Health Sciences, Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Bela Inayat Department of Biochemistry, Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Sara Mariyum Department of Biochemistry, Swat Medical College, Swat, Pakistan
Omaima Kalsoom Department of Physiology, Women Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Hajra Imtiaz Department of Medical Education, Muhammad College of Medicine, Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i3.2905

Keywords:

Maternal Nutrition, Micronutrient Supplementation, Neonatal Birth Weight, Neonatal Morbidity, Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Maternal nutrition significantly influences fetal growth, birth weight, and neonatal health. Deficiencies in iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D increase the risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal complications. Objective: To assess the impact of maternal micronutrient supplementation on neonatal birth weight and health outcomes. Methods: A quasi experimental study was conducted at Health Net Hospital, Peshawar. A total of 110 pregnant women were recruited (59 supplemented, 51 non-supplemented). Data on maternal dietary intake, weight gain, and micronutrient consumption were collected. Neonatal birth weight, gestational age, NICU admissions, and morbidity were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with independent t-tests and chi-square tests (p<0.05 considered significant). Results: Neonates in the supplemented group had significantly higher birth weights (3343.54 ± 407.90 g vs. 2825.63 ± 322.46 g, p<0.001). NICU admissions were lower in the supplemented group (6.8% vs. 43.1%, p<0.001). Neonatal morbidity, including infections, jaundice, and respiratory distress, was significantly lower in the supplemented group (p<0.001). Conclusions: Micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy improves neonatal birth weight and reduces neonatal morbidity. These findings highlight the need for targeted maternal nutrition strategies to improve neonatal outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.

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