Overview Good nutrition should be a priority before pregnancy, not just during it. That's the stance of Dr. David Barker, a U.K.-based researcher recognized for linking fetal nutrition and chronic disease during adulthood. Not eating nutritious foods consistently can have a substantial impact on the nourishment of unborn children. The lack of important vitamins and minerals affects growth and development, which can have lasting consequences throughout their lifespans. Low Birth Weight Fetal malnourishment is a key risk factor for low birth weight, which is defined as weighing below 5 lbs., 8 oz. Infants born under this weight cutoff have a low amount of body fat and their heads appear too large compared to their tiny bodies. Having a low socioeconomic background increases the risk that pregnant women do not get adequate intake of essential nutrients, increasing the chances of giving birth to an underweight child. Compounding the risk is that these women may not receive proper prenatal care that would allow physicians to identify poor fetal growth. Effects Low birth weight can have serious repercussions on babies. Both their physical and mental development can be affected. The lack of prenatal nutrition leaves their bodies weak and unable to effectively combat infection. They are also at risk for respiratory problems, neurological issues and gastrointestinal complications, according to the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, is also a concern. These newborns must stay in the hospital to receive continual care until they reach a suitable weight. The majority of low birth weight babies do survive, but certain associated conditions can continue to impact these children as they get older. Neural Tube Defects One major prenatal nutritional issue commonly in the spotlight is folic acid intake. Folic acid plays a key role in DNA and RNA replication. Not getting enough before and during pregnancy increases babies' risk of being born with a neural tube defect. NTDs are openings in the brain or spinal cord that develop early in pregnancy. Many types of NTDs exist but the most well-known is spina bifida. Spina bifida involves an opening in the spine and -- even when surgically repaired -- leaves children with nerve damage and paralysis. The Duke Center for Human Genetics reports that 50 to 70 percent of NTDs could be prevented if childbearing women get 0.4mg of folic acid daily. Future Health Risks Poor maternal nourishment clearly impacts babies' health while in the womb and during childhood. Yet it may also impact their health as adults. A May 2011 article from two University of Hawaii nutritionists reveals that children who were malnourished while in the womb are at higher risk for becoming obese during adulthood. Other potential health risks include diabetes, heart disease and mental illness. Barker's research also found that maternal malnourishment has a negative impact on fetuses' structural development, thereby setting the stage for future chronic disease. Source: livestrong.com