Final answer:
Severe acute malnutrition during pregnancy substantially increases the risk of giving birth to a baby with low birth weight, which can result in susceptibility to disease and developmental delays. Additionally, malnutrition can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth, and stillbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Severe acute malnutrition in pregnant women significantly increases the risk of a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes, one of which is low birth weight. This condition is characterized by a baby being born weighing less than 2.5 kg or 5.5 lb and can lead to heightened susceptibility to disease and a higher chance of mortality in infancy. Beyond causing immediate health issues, babies with low birth weight may experience slow growth and developmental delays throughout early childhood. Malnutrition during pregnancy can also lead to a host of other complications, including a higher likelihood of miscarriage, preterm birth, and stillbirth. The impact of maternal undernutrition on fetal development begins in utero, potentially resulting in lifelong deficits and health challenges.
Malnutrition is especially problematic in children due to their need for proper nutrients for growth and development. Two conditions directly associated with undernutrition in children are wasting—becoming dangerously thin—and stunting—being too short for one's age due to prolonged lack of adequate nutrition. These early growth deficits often stem from maternal undernutrition and can lead to severe syndromes including kwashiorkor and marasmus, both of which can be life-threatening without intervention.