The Importance of Fulfilling the Nutritional Intake of Pregnant Women and Children to Prevent Stunting

Apart from intervention by all parties in the first 1000 days of life, prevention is also necessary starting from when the mother is pregnant and during pregnancy, because this is one of the factors that increases the risk of stunting.

The following are some of the causes of poor nutrition, including:

1. Some people have low access to FOOD in terms of quantity and nutritional quality
2. PARENTING PATTERNS are not good, especially in the behavior and practices of feeding babies and children, for example, quite a few babies are given food intake of starch water or children are given instant noodles every day.
3. Low access to HEALTH SERVICES including access to sanitation and clean water, for treatment when sick, basic immunizations and access to clean water for washing hands with soapy water, which is an important factor in efforts to prevent digestive tract diseases.

CONDITIONS OF FOOD CONSUMPTION OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND TODDLERS

Based on 2016-2017 data, several food consumption conditions among pregnant women and toddlers were identified, including:

• 3 out of 5 PREGNANT WOMEN in Indonesia are malnourished
• 7 out of 10 pregnant women in Indonesia eat foods that are low in calories and protein
• 7 out of 10 toddlers in Indonesia eat less calories
• 8 out of 10 toddlers in Indonesia eat less protein

GUIDELINES FOR BALANCED NUTRITION

Based on the guidelines for balanced nutrition according to Minister of Health Regulation No. 41 of 2014, guidelines for balanced nutrition are the composition of daily food that contains nutrients in types and quantities that suit the body's needs, taking into account the principles of diversity or variation in eating, physical activity, cleanliness and ideal weight.

Balanced Nutrition Message as follows:

a. Be grateful and enjoy the diversity of food

b. Eat lots of vegetables and enough fruit

c. Get used to consuming side dishes that contain high protein

d. Get used to consuming a variety of staple foods

e. Limit consumption of sweet, salty and fatty foods

f. Get used to breakfast

g. Get into the habit of drinking enough and safe water

h. Get used to reading tables on food packaging

i. Wash your hands with soap with clean running water

j. Do enough physical activity and maintain a normal body weight.

The importance of adequate nutritional intake during the early to late period of pregnancy and for fetal growth, micronutrients and protein are needed to build potential height and calorie needs to build potential body weight.

Meanwhile, nutritional intake from birth to the first 2 years (1000 days of life) to achieve optimal height and weight requires all nutrients (micro and macro) in a balanced manner, obtained from exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months, continued with breast milk and MP. -ASI.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FOR FAMILY INDEPENDENCE

1. Support pregnant women to consume healthy and balanced foods in sufficient quantities
2. Helping pregnant women to have regular pregnancy check-ups at health service facilities
3. Remind pregnant women to take Blood Supplement Tablets (TTD) regularly every day
4. Helping pregnant women to give birth in a health facility by health workers
5. Supports Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD) and exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months
6. Play an active role in the implementation of posyandu and invite pregnant women, mothers and children under five to come
7. Assisting health workers in assisting pregnant women or handling malnourished toddlers
8. Participate in promoting and implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle in the environment

Don't hesitate to consult with a doctor at the nearest health facility or consult online via telemedicine so that pregnant women and their unborn babies remain healthy and prevent stunting for the child's future.