IMPACT OF MATERNAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY ON PEDIATRIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background:
Maternal nutrition is a critical determinant of fetal growth, birth outcomes, and long-term child development. Adequate intake of macro- and micronutrients before and during pregnancy supports organogenesis, linear growth, and neurocognitive development, whereas maternal undernutrition or overnutrition can adversely affect offspring health.

Objective:
To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the impact of maternal nutrition interventions during preconception and pregnancy on pediatric growth and developmental outcomes.

Methods:
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized and cluster-randomized trials published from 2010 to 2025. Included studies involved maternal supplementation, nutrition counseling, or dietary interventions and measured child anthropometry, stunting, underweight, breastfeeding, or neurodevelopmental outcomes. Data extraction, quality assessment, and narrative synthesis were performed independently by two reviewers.

Results:
Ten studies met inclusion criteria, conducted across low- and middle-income countries. Preconception and early-pregnancy supplementation with lipid-based nutrients, protein-energy, or eggs significantly improved birth length, weight, and LAZ/HAZ scores. Integrated interventions combining nutrition with parenting, WASH, or psychosocial support enhanced early child development outcomes. Long-term benefits were observed up to 11 years of age. Maternal BMI and baseline nutritional status moderated intervention effectiveness. Ultra-processed food consumption and late initiation of supplementation were associated with lower efficacy.

Conclusion:
Maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy is a key determinant of pediatric growth and neurodevelopment. Interventions initiated preconceptionally, maintained through pregnancy, and combined with behavioral or psychosocial components provide the strongest outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early, holistic, and context-specific maternal nutrition programs.