Surabi Trust

Poor nutrition during pregnancy is a major public health problem in India and other countries. There is compelling evidence from epidemiologist studies that poor nutrition during pregnancy, in the form of insufficient intake, low protein, or deficiencies in micro nutrients, is associated with poor developmental outcomes in children including lower cognitive functioning, deficits in attention, and disruptive behavior problems. Malnutrition happens when the mother’s intake of food doesn’t meet the energy needs of both the mother and the baby. That is when the mother consumes food with less calories regularly whereas the demand of energy expends of the body is high. Being underweight and not maintaining optimal prenatal health are the primary reasons of malnutrition in pregnant women. The basic need of nutrition is fulfilled by providing nutrition food.

One of the major symptoms of malnutrition during pregnancy is severe morning sickness. Nausea and vomiting are common during the first trimester will usually disappear towards the last of the first trimester. When this state continues to the second and rarely towards the third trimester, then chances of malnutrition increase during pregnancy as the demand for calorie rich food also increases with the progressing pregnancy.

Energy is required by various bodily functions like heart, breathing, brain functioning, digesting food, physical activity, growth and development. Energy is derived primarily from carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which are found in cereals, pulses, dairy, fats and oils. Pregnancy imposes an additional energy requirement of about 350 Kcal per day. Getting 55-60% energy from carbohydrates, 15-20% energy from proteins, less than 25% energy from fats is considered to be the optimum range.

THESE PROBLEMS ARE RESOLVED BY HEALTHY MOTHER NUTRITION PROGRAM.

Intra Uterine Growth Retardation of the child (IUGC) and low birth weights are usually associated with the maternal malnutrition which can increase the chances of: Disorderliness of circulatory, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems of the fetus

Perinatal mortality or the death of an infant within seven days of birth happens when the birth weight is significantly low.

Still birth

Underdevelopment of some organs

Brain damage

Premature birth