Maternal Nutrition And Perinatal Factors Influencing Early Childhood Neurodevelopmental Health Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Maternal nutrition and perinatal factors are strongly associated with early childhood neurodevelopmental health outcomes. Adequate maternal intake of nutrients during pregnancy is necessary for fetal brain development, whereas adverse perinatal conditions can increase the risk of developmental delay, cognitive impairment, and behavioral disorders in children. Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of maternal nutrition and perinatal factors on early childhood neurodevelopmental health outcomes. Methodology: 280 mother–pediatric pairs were enrolled in a quantitative, cross-sectional study. Data were collected from maternal health records, nutritional assessments, and standardized neurodevelopmental assessment tools. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression techniques to determine the relationships among the variables of the study.  Findings: The results indicated that 72.5% of mothers met the recommended nutritional requirements in pregnancy. Children born to mothers with adequate nutrition had higher neurodevelopmental scores (Mean = 86.4, SD = 8.2) than children of mothers with inadequate nutrition (Mean = 71.8, SD = 9.5). Also, 18.9% of children with exposure to adverse perinatal factors showed developmental delays. Maternal nutrition was positively associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and with adverse perinatal factors (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Maternal nutrition and perinatal factors can have a significant impact on early childhood neurodevelopmental health outcomes. Optimal maternal nutrition and enhanced perinatal care may improve children’s cognitive, behavioral and developmental well-being.