Proper maternal nutrition is essential for fetal development. Malnutrition or deficiencies in essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium can lead to complications such as neural tube defects, low birth weight, and anemia in the newborn. Conversely, maternal obesity can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and macrosomia (large for gestational age babies), which can complicate delivery and neonatal outcomes.
