SCIE1060 : Understanding Science

1) Topic selected and approved by Wednesday July 18th
2) Poster and Presentation due Wednesday August 8th

The following project is designed to give you an opportunity to explore a topic of interest within an area of science i.e. biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences or astronomy. This is an individual assignment and each student will have an appointment time to present their poster to me; all posters will then be placed on display the final day of classes for you to have a look. 

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 (%)

                                       

Table 2 Maternal features and pregnancy outcomes for the participants with dietary data (Michael et al., 2012)

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.

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

Michael L. B., Alexis J. H., Lesley K. M., Roger S., Stephen J. S., Warwick B. G., David R., & Clare E. C. (2012 November 1). The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(5): 1032–1041