Introduction
Groven (2009). When a person is not getting enough food or not getting the right sort of food, malnutrition is just around the corner. Disease is often a factor, either as a result or contributing cause. Even if people get enough to eat, they will become malnourished if the food they eat does not provide the proper amounts of micronutrients- vitamins and minerals to meet daily nutritional requirements.
Harold (2008). Malnutrition has shown to be an important concern in women, children and the elderly. Because of pregnancies and breastfeeding, women have additional nutrient requirements. Children can be at risk for malnutrition even before birth as their nutrition levels are directly tied to the nutrition of their mothers. Breastfeeding can reduce rates of malnutrition and mortality in children and educational programs for mothers could have a large impact of these rates. The elderly because of unique complications such as changes in appetite and energy level, and chewing and swallowing problems. Adequate elderly care is essential for preventing malnutrition, especially when preventing malnutrition, especially when the elderly cannot care for themselves.
Grover (2009), Malnutrition increases the risk of infection and infectious disease, and moderate malnutrition weakens every part of the immune system. For example, it is a major risk factor in the onset of active tuberculosis, protein and energy malnutrition and deficiencies of specific micronutrients (including iron, zinc and vitamins) increase susceptibility to infection. Malnutrition affects HIV transmission from mother to child and also increasing replication of the virus.
In communities or areas that lack access to safe drinking water, these additional health risks present a critical problem. Lower energy and impaired function of the brain also represent the downward spiral of malnutrition as victims are less able to perform the tasks they need to in order to acquire food, earn an income, or gain an education.
According to Olayide (1982). Malnutrition is, referred to as an imbalance of nutrient intake due to consumption of too little or too much of one or many nutrients; therefore, malnutrition can he classified as tinder nutrition and over-Nutrition.
Under-nutrition results from consumption of too little food or poor utilization of one or more nutrients while over-nutrition results from the consumption of too much of one or more nutrients. Thus, malnutrition Is either under-nutrition or over-nutrition. Malnutrition has been identified as the most important public health problem of pregnant ‘omen in the developing countries. It is manifested in various nutritional disease or nutritional disorders.
Causes and symptoms of malnutrition in pregnant women
Anazowu (1981) states that there are many persons in our communities who are ignorant of the functions of food. To such persons is full belly is all that is necessary to satisfy hunger and to nourish the body. They may have plenty of food, but if they do not know the kind of food or the right quantity and combinations of food to eat, they will be poorly nourished. It is therefore not a surprise to find malnourished persons in communities where food is in abundance.
Besides, to provide adequate nutrition for the different members of the family, the food should be well handled. The way food is handled influences the amount of nutrients in it safety, appearance and taste handling includes everything that happens to food, while it is being grown, processed, stored and prepared for eating. Many persons are ignorant of the appropriate methods of handling the available foods in the community.
Scrubs (2008), Opined that, the most common symptom is a notable weight loss. For example, those pregnant Women have lost more than 10% of their body weight in 2.3 the course of three months and are not dieting could be malnourished. This is usually measured using the body mass indent (BMI). This is calculated by the weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared. A healthy BMI for adults usually lies between 18.5 and 24.9 those with a BMI between 17 and 1 8.5 could be mildly malnourished, those with DM1 between 16 and 18 could be moderately malnourished and those with a DM1 less than 16 could be severely malnourished.
Weakness of muscles and fatigue i.e. the muscles of the body appear to waste away and may be left without adequate strength to carry pregnancy, many people complain of tiredness all day and lack of energy. This may also be due to anaemia caused by malnutrition. Increased susceptibility of infections, delayed and prolonged healing of even small wounds and cuts, irritability and dizziness, skin and hair becomes dry’ Skin may appear dry and flaky and hair may turn dry, lifeless, dull and appear like straw, nails may appear brittle and break easily some patients suffer from persistent diarrhoea or long-term constipation, menstruation may be irregular or stop completely in malnourished women.
The health implication of malnutrition on pregnant women and the child
According to Phillip (1997) it states that the occurrences rate in the countries of Asia and Africa. As per medical data, pregnant women, lactating woman and children below three years are more susceptible to malnutrition effect o others. From the moment that a woman conceives, she holds the responsibility of following a healthy diet in large quantities to support the growth of an entire life inside her womb. An expecting mother should understand that her daily nutrition is not only important for her health, but it is crucial for maintaining good health of her baby for the entire life. Taking this into consideration, malnutrition during pregnancy is a leading cause of poor pregnancy consequence.
If a pregnant woman is malnourished, it is understandable that the baby in the mother’s womb is not receiving enough nutrients in other words, the nutrients and trace minerals essential for developing a whole life are not provided in sufficient amount. As a consequence, the baby will exhibit poor growth rate and low weight. The general of malnutrition on the body are weak immune system, greater risk to illness, low stamina level and lesser height.
Halold (2008) states that, some effects of malnutrition when pregnant are carries by the child throughout his / her entire life. Say for examples, a malnourished baby is prone to infections not only in the early stages of growth, but also in the adulthood phases of life. Also, ills claimed that cognitive impairment and low IQ (Intelligent Quotient) are directly linked to malnutrition symptoms, especially during pregnancy and infancy period.
Arthur (2003) stated that, pregnant women who have been through malnutrition deliver babies with low birth weight. Such children are prone to retarded growth, less co-ordination, poor vision, learning difficulty and many other diseases. Anaemia is one of the malnutrition diseases that affect several pregnant women worldwide. It increased the risk for mortality of mother and baby at childbirth. Other serious effects of malnutrition are premature delivery, obstructed labour, postpartum haemorrhage and birth defects.
Management of malnutrition in pregnant women
Matin–Gronert (2006). Pregnant women require more calories and nutrients them non- pregnant women as their foetus grows. This requirement, however, does not translate into “ eating too much” as this may lead to excess calorie intake leading to maternal obesity, but malnutrition alongside as the vital nutrients may be lacking in diet. Iron, folic and other vitamins and minerals need to be supplemented in women who are pregnant with or without malnutrition as these are often required in higher amounts than normal diet can provide.
Arthur (2003), opined that, a healthy balanced diet is recommended for prevention of malnutrition. There are four major food groups that include: bread, rice, potatoes and other starchy foods. This forms the largest portion of the diet and provides calories for energy and carbohydrates that are converter to sugars which provide energy:
Milk and dairy foods — vital sources of fats and simple sugars like lactose as well as minerals like calcium. Fruit and vegetables — vital sources of vitamins and minerals as well as fibre and roughage for better digestive health.
Meat, poultry fish, eggs, bean and other non — dairy sources of protein — these forms the building blocks of the body and help in numerous body and enzymes functions. In addition all hospital admitted patients, children, pregnant women, elderly in care facilities need to be evaluated for malnutrition includes, practicing exclusive breastfeeding and adequate Nutrition of the mother, while she is pregnant with the child.
References
Anazonwu B. (1981). Food and nutrition in practice. Macmilllan ethical ion. Ltd, London Basingstoke.
Arthur S., Steven M. & Sheffin F. (2003). Economic principles in action. Oxford university press. Pp. 481.
Grover Z. (2009). Protein energy malnutrition. Pediatr. cliii north am 1055 — 68. retrieve on 19th Jan. 2013, from www.wfp.org/hunger/malnutrition.
Harold A. and Juan A. (2008) “the challenge of himger and malmitrition”. Copenhagen consensus challenge paper. Retrieve Feb. 2t (2013). From www. nhs.uklcondition /rnalnutrition /pages / treatment .aspx
Matin-Groitert M. and Ozane S. (2006) maternal nutrition during pregnancy and health of the offspring. Retrieve on 19th .Tan 2013, from www.nrv. gov. an nutritions vitamin b 1 2.. 1-Ttm.
Olayide S. (1982). Food and nutrition crisis in Nigeria. Ile – Ife, Ibadan University Press.
Philip F. (1997). Obstetric and newborn. Oxford University Press.
Scrubs R. (2008) malnutrition during pregnancy. International atomic energy agency publication. Retrieve on 7th march 2013 from http//www .nhs.uk/condition/malnutriti on/pages/treatment.aspx