A child’s nutritional future begins before conception with the mother’s nutritional status prior to pregnancy. A chronically-undernourished mother is likely to give birth to an underweight baby, who may be stunted as a child and in turn give birth to malnourished baby. A well-nourished woman over the age of 18 has a much greater chance of surviving pregnancy and her child of growing up healthy.

Eliminating malnutrition in mothers can reduce disabilities in their infants by almost one third. It is also important that expectant mothers eat a variety of foods, receive essential micro-nutrients and have adequate rest. During fetal growth is when most of the child’s organs and tissues, blood, brain and bones are formed, and his or her potential is shaped. Lack of maternal nutrition and nutritional stores can create irreversible harm.