ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to discuss the relationship between maternal health and nutrition status during pregnancy and its effect on fetal development. This provides an overview of fetal growth and stages of fetal development with important clinically relevant embryological milestones and physiological changes. The effect of maternal conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension on the developing fetus and complications associated with excessive or inadequate weight gain during pregnancy are described. This chapter also discusses nutrients of importance and foods or substances that should be limited or avoided during pregnancy.
