Brain Development

The importance of maternal health during pregnancy is well-established, and a recent study highlights its impact on a child’s neurodevelopment. The study found that maternal body composition may have a significant impact on the child's neurodevelopment, with positive outcomes for 2-year–old children born to mothers with no gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and/or obesity. The study also explored the negative association between maternal body fat composition and neurodevelopment in children.

Early life is a critical foundational period to establish long term health outcomes and we know that good nutrition during this time is vital not just for physical growth, but also for optimal brain development. This is the second and final talk in our Growth concerns series that aims to understand the consequences and the guidelines for dealing with children experiencing suboptimal growth.