Maternal undernutrition is associated with neonatal and child health effects. It leads to preterm delivery, low-birth weight babies, babies with birth defects, cognitive impairment or under-development and an enhanced risk of child morbidity and mortality in addition to poor development through the life cycle. Consequently, nutrition impacts maternal and child health substantively, and optimal nutrition earlier in life forms the basis for long-term health. With proper maternal dietary selections, and a proper maternal body composition,good maternal health is facilitated; hence, there is decreased probability of poor maternal and foetal outcomes.
MCH programmes target to counsel women of reproductive age on the significance of maternal nutrition pre-conception and after delivery, and promote lifestyle adjustments that promote a healthy weight during these periods. Maternal and child health services such as prenatal care, deworming, preventive care, vaccinations, and medical treatment are crucial, to promote good health and nutrition status.As such , these programmes inform women on the importance of good nutrition for themselves and their offspring. This reduces incidences of nutrition deficiencies and stunted growth cases and there are also fewer cases of low-birth weight babies and babies with birth defects.