The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine

Maternal nutrition is an important contributor for favorable pregnancy outcomes and fetal and neonatal health. A developmental model for the causes of disease claims that fetal environment may have a definitive impact on epigenetic modifications and associated gene expression, with long-term effects on the development of disease in neonates and late childhood.

 

Thus, the adequate intake of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals during pregnancy to meet maternal and fetal needs is extremely important. Some effects of malnutrition are well established and may be reversed; the supplementation of folic acid, starting from the preconceptional period up to the first trimester of pregnancy, reduces the rate of fetal neural tube defects; iron supplementation can correct maternal anemia in pregnancy whereas iron deficiency may cause offspring’s memory impairment and neurodevelopment derangements. Vitamin D is often supplemented in pregnancy to support fetal growth and prevent hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes. PUFAs, omega-3, omega-6 and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been associated with neuronal functioning. Antenatal guidance on appropriate weight gain should be offered as part of routine prenatal care in all settings; it may affect maternal and child health during pregnancy and the puerperium.

 

High adherence to a healthy diet, including the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, vegetable oils and fish may minimize the risk of hypertensive disorders, low-birthweight and preterm delivery. Hence, balanced and healthy maternal nutrition is of paramount importance for both the healthy development of the fetus and favorable perinatal outcomes. All the relevant articles on maternal nutrition and weight gain, including pregnancy outcomes are welcome for this Article Collection. Moreover, all article types are welcome, as well.

 

All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts.  

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.  

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is April 30th, 2024. 

Please contact Menghan Li at [email protected]  with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection. 

Please be sure to select the appropriate Article Collection from the drop-down menu in the submission system. 

Instructions for Authors