maternal factors

Maternal factors refer to characteristics and conditions of the mother that can influence her health and the development of her baby. These include age, overall health, nutrition, lifestyle choices (like smoking or alcohol use), medical history, and access to healthcare. For example, a mother's nutrition during pregnancy affects her baby's growth, while medical conditions such as diabetes can impact the pregnancy. Understanding maternal factors helps health professionals provide better care to ensure a healthier pregnancy and positive outcomes for both mother and child.