Priorities for research in maternal nutrition in the developing world

Abstract

Two aspects of maternal nutrition are highlighted - an adequate weight at birth and successful lactation-as the outcome of satisfactory maternal nutrition. The following priorities for research are considered: 1. Prepregnancy weights and heights related to birth weight, height, skull circumference and placental weight. 2. Practical implementation of national supplementary feeding of pregnant mothers. 3. Support networks in pregnancy and lactation through the health care system. 4. Study of hypogalactia. 5. Assessment of lactation performance. 6. Lactational amenorrhoea. 7. Training of primary health care workers to improve maternal nutrition.

PIP: Minimum requirements for child survival in developing countries are adequate birth weight and successful lactation. Studies at the University Unit in Colombo found that of 1988 live births, 418 (21%) were 2500 gm; head circumference and crown heel length showed clear correlations with birth weight, at parities 3 there was a great proportion of low birth weight babies. Further research should study prepregnancy weights and height and weight gains in pregnancy, relating these to birth weight, height, and skull circumference and placental weight. Prenatal supplementation has been shown to improve birth weight although the best content and timing of the supplement are not clear. Lactation is on the decline in developing countries. In Sri Lanka it was found that the greatest number of breastfeeding failures occurred in the maternity wards since no encouragement or support was offered. Prediction of successful lactation and hypogalactia needs to be studied along with use of nutritionally at risk pregnancies. Since most maternal nutrition problems are specific to developing countries, studies that are simply designed are required in these areas.