Nutrition for Two: How Maternal Micronutrient Intake Shapes Foetal Development and Pregnancy Outcomes

Maternal and foetal health outcomes are significantly influenced by nutritional status during pregnancy. Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, play a crucial role in physiological processes that affect both maternal well-being and foetal development. Deficiencies or imbalances in these micronutrients have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including maternal complications such as miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and gestational hypertension, as well as foetal outcomes like low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and preterm birth. Globally, maternal malnutrition remains a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. Despite numerous studies, gaps remain in understanding the specific associations between dietary intake of individual micronutrients and a comprehensive range of maternal and foetal outcomes. Additionally, the interaction of multiple micronutrients and their cumulative effects on pregnancy outcomes are poorly understood. Adequate intake of dietary micronutrients during pregnancy is essential for both maternal and foetal health. Identifying the specific micronutrients and their optimal levels can guide targeted nutritional interventions to reduce the burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, understanding these associations can inform public health policies and prenatal care guidelines, ultimately improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Primary Objective To investigate the association between peri pregnancy key micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) intake and maternal1 and foetal2 health outcomes. Maternal outcome may include but not limited to Miscarriage and spontaneous abortion, Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, Gestational diabetes, Preterm labour and other obstetric complications. Foetal outcome may include but not limited Low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age infants, Birth defects and congenital anomalies, Preterm birth, Neonatal morbidity and mortality Secondary objective To explore the potential interaction effects of multiple micronutrients on maternal and foetal health outcomes. This study will provide valuable insights into the association between dietary micronutrients and maternal and foetal health outcomes, contributing to the development of evidence-based nutritional guidelines for pregnant women. By addressing the gaps in knowledge, the research aims to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the role of dietary micronutrients in pregnancy and their impact on maternal and foetal health. The findings will provide evidence to inform public health policies, prenatal care guidelines, and nutritional interventions aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes, particularly in settings where micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. Methodology A prospective cohort study will be conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected hospitals. Study Population • Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant women aged 18–45 years, with a gestational age ≤12 weeks at enrolment. • Exclusion Criteria: Women with pre-existing chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, or those on micronutrient supplementation prior to pregnancy. Data Collection • Dietary Assessment: A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) will be used to estimate the dietary intake of vitamins (A, C, D, E, folate, B-complex) and minerals (iron, calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium). • Nutrient intake will be analysed using dietary software to quantify daily micronutrient consumption. • Maternal Health Outcomes: Data on maternal complications (e.g., miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia) will be collected from medical records and participant interviews. • Foetal Health Outcomes: Foetal outcomes (e.g., birth weight, congenital anomalies, neonatal morbidity) will be recorded at delivery and during neonatal follow-up. • Covariates: Sociodemographic factors (age, education, socioeconomic status), Pre-pregnancy BMI and physical activity, Access to prenatal care and medical history Data Analysis • Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the baseline characteristics of the study population. • Multivariable logistic regression models will be employed to assess the association between micronutrient intake and maternal and foetal outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders. • Interaction effects between different micronutrients will be explored using interaction terms in regression models. Expected Outcomes • Identification of key micronutrients associated with reduced risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. • Evidence to support dietary recommendations and nutritional interventions for pregnant women. • Insights into the cumulative and interactive effects of multiple micronutrients on pregnancy outcomes.