SCIE1060: Effects of Maternal Health and Diet on Embryo Development

This scientific poster project, developed for the SCIE1060 course, investigates the significant impact of maternal health and diet on the development of embryos. The research highlights the correlation between maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the intrauterine development of the fetus, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet including proteins, calcium, vitamin C, whole grains, adequate fat, folic acid, fruits, and vegetables. The poster summarizes studies that have established the link between maternal nutrition and fetal body composition, as well as the potential to influence the risk of future diseases. The findings underscore the importance of nutritional interventions to optimize fetal health and reduce the chances of birth defects. The project also examines the benefits of prenatal care, exercise, and a balanced diet to minimize pregnancy complications and ensure the delivery of healthy babies. The poster includes key findings from the research, which provides an in-depth understanding of the correlation between maternal nutrition and intrauterine development of the foetus during pregnancy.

EFFECTS OF MATERNAL HEALTH
AND DIET ON DEVELOPING EMBRYO
Background
The health of a woman is very important to the good
health of the developing embryo. Studies have established
that expectant women who eat well and engage in regular
exercise besides prenatal care less prone to complications
during pregnancy. Such women are as well having higher
chances successfully delivering healthy babies (Godfrey
et al., 2017).
Maintaining a nutritious diet during the pregnancy has a
direct linkage with good fetal brain development, lowers
the chances of birth defects and is as well associated with
healthy birth weight.
A properly balanced diet minimizes the risks of
contracting anaemia alongside other undesirable
pregnancy symptoms among them morning sickness and
fatigue. Proper nutritious has also been through to
facilitate in the balancing of mood swings and may as well
improve delivery and labor (Britto et al., 2017).
A well balanced diet during pregnancy includes proteins,
calcium, vitamin C, whole grains, adequate fat, folic acid,
fruits and vegetables and foods that are rich in iron.
Nutritional needs during pregnancy can easily be met by
eating a wide range of foods from each of the groups of
food everyday responsibly (Newman & Newman 2017)
Figure 1: Design of Clinical trials examining correlation between
adverse birth outcomes and maternal nutrition (Michael et al., 2012)
Current Research
A research was conducted to investigate the correlation between
maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the intrauterine
development of the composition of the body of the foetus.
Results: Maternal intakes of protein in linear mixed-model
regressions (b=-0.13; P=0.04) while starch (b=0.10; P=0.02). The
protein: carbon ratio (b=-3.61; P=0.02) were linked with the
abdominal fat parentage while SFA (b=0.27; P=0.04) and PUFA (b-
0.48; P=0.03) had a correlation with the midthigh fat percentage.
There were various intakes in which the maximization of fetal
adiposity responses took place (Michael et al., 2012).
Conclusion: The composition of the fetal body can be modifiable
through nutritional intervention by the mother and hence plays a
significant role in influencing the risk of the foetus to future
diseases.
Figure 2: A flow chart for the obstetric
and dietary data collected from
pregnant participants (Michael et al.,
2012)
Table 1: Mixed-model regression
analysis of the correlation between
diet during pregnant and fetal
abdominal visceral area and
midthigh lean area (%)
Discussion
The research provided a proof that there could be a target maternal
micronutrient profile that is optimum for the development of the
composition of the fetal body. The research established a positive
association between the development of abdominal visceral area all
through the gestation and high maternal protein intakes, higher
protein to carbon ration and decreased intake of starch Michael et
al., 2012). The research also established an association between
midthigh lean areas and enhanced maternal PUFA intakes as well as
reduced SFA intakes. This research served to provide an in-depth
understanding of the correlation between maternal nutrition and
intrauterine development of the foetus during pregnancy and thus
applicable to the expectant mothers intending to give birth to babies
of sound and stable health.
Table 2 Maternal features and pregnancy
outcomes for the participants with dietary data
(Michael et al., 2012)
References
Godfrey, K. M., Reynolds, R. M., Prescott, S. L., Nyirenda, M., Jaddoe, V. W., Eriksson, J.
G., & Broekman, B. F. (2017). Influence of maternal obesity on the long-term health of
offspring. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology, 5(1), 53-64
Britto, P. R., Lye, S. J., Proulx, K., Yousafzai, A. K., Matthews, S. G., Vaivada, T., ... &
MacMillan, H. (2017). Nurturing care: promoting early childhood development. The
Lancet, 389(10064), 91-102
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P. R. (2017). Development through life: A psychosocial
approach. Cengage Learning