Maternal nutrition and the outcome of pregnancy: the Ilula village case study Tanzania.

703 obstetric events were covered in a prospective study between 1983 and 1986 investigating factors which influence maternal health and the health delivery system in Ilula Village in the Iringa region of Tanzania. The second part of the study started in May 1984 and covered 300 pregnant women recruited as early in pregnancy as possible in an expansion of the initial study to include the nutritional status of mothers as well as to follow the children up to the age of one year. Out of the 300 mothers 50 were selected in a subsample for more detailed investigations of daily food supplies dietary intake and the workload and nutritional status of the mother. Preliminary data are presented on maternal nutritional status nutrient intake and energy expenditure and nutrient intake and pregnancy outcome. The study found dietary intake particularly of energy to be considerably lower than that recommended by national and international bodies. Public health officials need to understand that maternal dietary inadequacy in developing countries is an addition to the already significant health hazards faced by pregnant women. Infections infestations and excessive workloads already take their toll. Arguments about the adaptive ability of such women are academic and unwarranted. Even if the brain of the fetus of an undernourished mother will not be adversely affected by the mothers compromised nutritional status the mother has the right to her own health and well-being both as a human being and as a major contributor to socioeconomic development. Efforts made to improve maternal nutrition are highly worthwhile investments.