Effects of Maternal Nutrition on Embryonic Development and Growth in Wistar Rat Pups

Abstract

Maternal nutrition is a major determinant of fetal growth, embryonic development, and long-term offspring health. Although several studies had investigated the developmental consequences of maternal nutritional imbalance, the specific effects of diets predominantly composed of individual macronutrients on embryonic growth remain insufficiently understood, hence this study. Twenty female Wistar rats and eight fertile male Wistar rats were used. The females were assigned into four groups (n = 5): a control group fed with standard balanced diet, (a high-protein diet group, a high-carbohydrate diet group, and a high-fat diet group), followed by administration of the experimental diet for 28 days, then mating continued throughout gestation. Pregnancy was confirmed by vaginal smear examination, and maternal body weight was monitored throughout pregnancy. Following delivery, neonatal growth parameters including birth weight, crown–rump length (CRL), and PCV were measured. The CRL of Wistar Rat Pups showed a statistically significant reduction in fetal crown length in all experimental diet groups compared to the control (p = 0.0056). Similar with the (PCV %) (p= 0.0001), and fetal weight (p= 0.0001). However, maternal weight was significantly higher in the experimental groups compared to the control group (p= 0.0022). These findings underscore the importance of adequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy and provide experimental evidence supporting nutritional interventions aimed at improving fetal growth and developmental outcomes. Therefore, it is recommended that women of reproductive age and pregnant mothers maintain a balanced and nutritionally adequate diet before and throughout pregnancy to promote optimal embryonic growth, fetal development, and favourable birth outcomes.