What condition can occur due to lack of proper prenatal care?

Low birth weight is closely associated with inadequate prenatal care. During prenatal visits, healthcare providers monitor the pregnancy, assess the mother and fetus's health, and provide essential education on nutrition, lifestyle, and management of any pre-existing medical conditions.

When prenatal care is lacking, expecting mothers may not receive guidance on maintaining a healthy diet, obtaining necessary vaccinations, or managing complications, all of which contribute significantly to fetal growth and development. This can lead to insufficient weight gain during pregnancy, resulting in low birth weight for the infant. Infants born with low birth weight are at higher risk for various health issues, both immediately after birth and later in life, including developmental delays and chronic health problems.

While other conditions like postpartum depression, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia can occur in pregnancy and affect maternal and fetal health, they are influenced by a range of factors including stress, genetics, and existing health conditions, rather than directly linked to poor prenatal care in the same manner as low birth weight. Thus, the direct correlation between lack of prenatal care and low birth weight makes this the correct response.