Improving Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action

Summary2.48 The diet and nutritional status of the mother before conception and duringpregnancy, the feeding received in the first few months of life, the process ofweaning onto solid foods, and the diet and nutritional status of the growing infant all13, 15, 53contribute significantly to the long term health of the population. Poor nutritionduring these critical developmental stages can lead to impaired cognitive, physicaland economic capacity that cannot subsequently be restored. Maternal obesityincreases the risk of complications for both the mother and the infant duringpregnancy and birth, and influences long term health. A poor diet during pregnancyand early life has been linked to a range of conditions in adulthood includingcardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity.