What is one potential effect of poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy?

Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy can lead to a higher risk of congenital anomalies. Adequate nutrition is crucial for the developing fetus as specific nutrients are essential for critical developmental processes. Deficiencies in key nutrients, such as folic acid, can increase the risk of neural tube defects and other structural anomalies.

Congenital anomalies can arise from inadequate maternal intake of vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for the proper formation of organs and systems during the early stages of fetal development. For example, insufficient folate levels are linked to an increased risk of spina bifida, while deficiencies in other nutrients may contribute to various defects.

In contrast, increased maternal vitamin levels, enhanced fetal growth, and decreased risk of preterm labor do not correlate with poor maternal nutrition. Instead, these outcomes typically arise from adequate nutritional status and the presence of necessary nutrients. Hence, the effects of poor nutrition primarily manifest as increased risks of complications such as congenital anomalies.