1.1 Background of the Study

Gorman (2013) posited that pregnancy is a very special time for women. They need the best and optimum care during those nine months to ensure a hale and hearty mother and baby. Pregnancy is a very important period for good nutrition despite the fact that the total experience of pregnancy is surrounded by misconceptions handed over from mother to daughter (Wilson, 2007). This is coupled with insufficient education especially in the third world countries where tales may not be scientifically based. From a nutritional standpoint, this is an extremely important period for both this pregnant woman and developing foetus. Pregnant and lactating women are most vulnerable to malnutrition. Malnutrition during pregnancy can be quite harmful. Malnutrition during pregnancy can affect the wellbeing and development of the baby. Malnutrition is when the baby and in this case, the mother do not receive adequate nourishment during pregnancy. It means the baby, in the mother?s womb does not get enough nutrients to grow (Okoli, 2009).

According to Akinsola, (2006), malnutrition is a dietary condition caused by a deficiency or excess of one or more essential nutrients in the diet. Malnutrition is characterized by a wide array of health problems, including extreme weight loss, stunted growth, weakened resistance to infection, and impairment of intellect. Severe cases of malnutrition can lead to death. A number of different nutrition disorders may arise, depending on which nutrients are under- or over-abundant in the diet. In most of the world, malnutrition is present in the form of under-nutrition, which is caused by a diet lacking adequate calories and protein?not enough food, and of poor quality. Extreme undernourishment is starvation, and its symptoms and effects are inanition (exhaustion caused by lack of food or water or as a result of disease). While malnutrition is more common in less-developed countries, it is also present in industrialized countries. In wealthier nations it is more likely to be caused by unhealthy diets with excess energy, fats, and refined carbohydrates. A growing trend of obesity is now a major public health concern in lower socio-economic levels and in developing countries as well (Greenwood, 2010).

Malnutrition is by far the most common complication encountered in pregnancy. Poor hematological characteristics of pregnant women, constitutes an increase in mortality and morbidity during pregnancy. A malnourished expected mother is less able to tolerate haemorrhage at delivery and is more susceptible to puerperal infections (Harrison, 2000).

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2008) Major causes of malnutrition include poverty and food prices, dietary practices and agricultural productivity, with many individual cases being a mixture of several factors. Clinical malnutrition, such as in cachexia, is a major burden also in developed countries. Various scales of analysis also have to be considered in order to determine the sociopolitical causes of malnutrition. For example, the population of a community may be at risk if the area lacks health-related services, but on a smaller scale certain households or individuals may be at even higher risk due to differences in income levels, access to land, or levels of education.

High Maternal Mortality is one of Nigeria?s greatest challenges and Malnutrition is a major contributor. The current estimate of the maternal mortality ratio for Nigeria indicates 704 maternal deaths, per 100,000 live births as reported by the United Nations report, based on this and the making of pregnancy a safe imitative, and other health implementation programme within the country, much emphasis is being placed on maternal death. Emphasis has also been placed on nutrition during pregnancy because a well nourished pregnant woman has enough reserve or several nutrients that can meet the need of the growing foetus without jeopardizing her health (WHO, 2002).  

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The recent increase in number of pregnant mothers suffering from malnutrition is giving a concern to those in adult education, women leaders, health care services and others. According to Harrison (2000), the case of malnutrition is so high that about 55-70% of pregnant mothers are suffering from malnutrition. To some people, it is difficult to afford three square meals a day, take varieties of food and some do not know the content of food that they eat everyday. They may be eating carbohydrate food morning and night everyday without knowing the consequences especially among pregnant mothers.

Malnutrition has caused a lot of problem during pregnancy especially during the first period of pregnancy. Malnutrition in pregnancy is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women in maternal and child health centre, Onna Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State. This prompts the researchers to carry out a study on consequences of malnutrition during pregnancy among child bearing mothers in the study area. 

1.3 Significance of the Study

The study is set to discuss the causes and effects of malnutrition among pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area. Therefore, it is hoped that it will create awareness to pregnant mothers on the causes and effects of malnutrition and measures to prevent the harmful effects of malnutrition. It will be of great benefits to health workers working in Onna Local Government Area to educate pregnant mothers on the importance of adequate nutrition during pregnancy. It will also help Governments to take necessary action so as to help pregnant mothers.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

(1) To identify the causes of malnutrition among pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

(2) To determine the effects of malnutrition among pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

(3) To established measures of preventing malnutrition among pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

1.5 Research Questions 

(1) What are the causes of malnutrition among pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State? 

(2) What are the effects of malnutrition among pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State?

(3) What are the measures of preventing malnutrition among pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State? 

1.6 Research Hypotheses 

Hypothesis One 

Ho: There is no significant relationship between the causes of malnutrition and pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area. 

Ha: There is a significant relationship between the causes of malnutrition and pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area. 

Hypothesis Two 

Ho: There is no significant relationship between the effects of malnutrition and pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area. 

Ha: There is a significant relationship between the effects of malnutrition and pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area. 

Hypothesis Three 

Ho: There is no significant relationship between the measures of preventing malnutrition and pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area. 

Ha: There is a significant relationship between the measures of preventing malnutrition and pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the causes and effects of malnutrition among pregnant women in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.