Final answer:
Chronically exposed to malnutrition during pregnancy can have severe long-term effects on both the mother and the unborn child. It can lead to low birth weight, birth defects, and compromised immune system development.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an expecting mother is chronically exposed to malnutrition, it can have severe long-term effects on both the mother and the unborn child. Maternal undernutrition can lead to low birth weight, birth defects such as neural tube defects and anemia, and an increased risk of complications during childbirth. The unborn child may experience growth deficits, resulting in conditions like wasting or stunting. Furthermore, malnutrition during pregnancy can impact the development of the immune system, leading to long-term effects on the body's ability to fight infections and maintain homeostasis.