SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF NUTRITIONAL PRACTICE IN PREGNANCY AMONG EXPECTANT MOTHERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN KWALE DELTA STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background to the Study

Pregnancy is the most vital time for having a proper nutrition plan. The high demand for nutrients is to deposit energy in to the new and developing tissues, the growth of maternal mother tissues including the breast and the uterus, and the increased energy necessities for tissue synthesis make pregnant women more susceptible to the dangers of malnutrition (Daba, 2011). In line with finding of Daba (2011), Pregnant women more at risk of malnutrition. In 2010, maternal and child malnutrition was accountable for 1.5 million deaths worldwide.

Maternal nutrition continues to gin populaity in many part of the world (Ojo, 2010). this may be attributed to the reality that pregnancy is associated with growth in physiological, metabolic and nutritional necessities imparted to the women by her growing infant (Arkkola, 2008). throughout pregnancy, the body’s energy requirements, protein and minerals increase by 13%, 54% and 50% respectively (Hoffmann, 2013). Therefore, the pregnancy period becomes a vital point to meet those needs for macro and micronutrients. Proper eating at some point in pregnancy assist prevent complications of pregnancy, facilitate postpartum recovery, assist breastfeeding, and additionally prevent the onset of disease in adulthood. However, if nutrients isn’t always maintained throughout pregnancy, malnutrition ensues.

It has being established by Saha (2007) that Socio economic and demographic status is one of the most critical factors related to pregnancy outcome and dietary desposition of expectant mothers. When Socio economic and demographic status is low, medical care will consequently be insufficient which can further lead to other unfavourable outcomes (kruger 2012). In pregnant women, low Socio economic and demographic status which is often described as financial hardship and low exposure to globalization, can increase the danger of detrimental pregnancy outcome. several studies have discovered that low Socio economic status is also associated with pregnancy complications such as abortion, preeclampsia, preterm delivery and eclampsia (kings, 2013; Obasi, 2015; Demin, 20016). women with low Socio economic don’t often have the means to acquire enough prenatal care and this may affect their dietary decision,  leading to insufficient consumption of precise nutrients at some during pregnancy.

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF NUTRITIONAL PRACTICE IN PREGNANCY AMONG EXPECTANT MOTHERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN KWALE DELTA STATE