It is a fact that women have different needs especially during pregnancy and in the period following childbirth. Women’s and children’s development and health are interlinked. A healthy mother leads to a healthy child.
What Is Maternal Nutrition?
Maternal nutrition refers to the nutritional needs of women throughout pregnancy, after giving birth, and occasionally even before conception (i.e. during adolescence)
Maternal nutrition interventions focus on delivery through prenatal care platforms of iron, folic acid, zinc supplements, nutrition counseling, and food supplementation in select places. They have proven beneficial in lowering the prevalence of low birth weight.
Needs of Mothers During Pregnancy
According to research, pregnant women may improve their nutrition by practicing healthy eating, supplementing with micronutrients (such as calcium, iron, folic acid, or other micronutrients), monitoring their weight gain, engaging in physical exercise, and getting enough rest.
Additionally, dietary guidance and assistance throughout pregnancy that adheres to international norms also significantly contribute to ensuring good health.
Every day, an additional 300 calories to support a healthy pregnancy are also important. A diet rich in protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains should provide these calories. They must avoid eating too many sweets or fats.
In addition to the fluids found in soups and juices, they must consume adequate liquids daily by drinking several glasses of water.
Needs of Mothers After Pregnancy
Just as throughout pregnancy, postpartum women need to keep up a healthy diet. Additionally, therapy with iron and folic acid should persist for three months following delivery.
Breastfeeding mothers need extra meals and should get enough clean water. Skinny women and teenagers who can benefit from more knowledge should devote more time to nutrition counseling to have a balanced diet.
You might occasionally need to recommend women to a dietary counselor if one is available. It is significant to remember that access to some meals may not be available for women due to poverty.