Reducing stunting rates in children will be more effective if parents take precautions. After recognizing the triggers for stunting in children, you can take steps to prevent it.
The health of children and pregnant women is the focus of the government's attention. It is hoped that the child born is healthy and normal, so there is less chance of experiencing postnatal disorders.
Prevention of stunting needs to be done since pregnancy so that the baby to be born does not experience growth problems in the womb.
Furthermore, when the child is born, there is no risk of experiencing stunting as a toddler later. So, here are tips to prevent stunting since the baby is still in the womb.
Is it necessary to prevent stunting long before birth?
Stunting is a growth and development disorder that causes children to have short stature or are much different from the average child of their age.
Symptoms of stunting begin to occur when the fetus is still in the womb, among others, caused by the mother's intake of nutritious food during pregnancy that does not meet ideal levels.
The effect is that the baby in the womb does not have enough nutritional needs to grow and develop normally. Malnourished conditions will hinder the baby's growth, and the consequences will continue after the child is born.
Tips for preventing stunting in pregnant women
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia 2021 announced the results of a nutrition survey. It is estimated that 1 in 4 Indonesian children is stunted, and 1 in 10 children is malnourished.
Children who are malnourished and stunted will have stunted physical growth and are also at risk of experiencing less intelligence.
It is stated on the WHO website that stunting prevention needs to be done as early as possible, namely in the first 1000 days of a child's age, starting from the start of pregnancy.
Fulfillment of nutritional needs
Pregnant women must meet nutritional needs to prevent stunting in children and important nutritional needs during pregnancy.
- Folate or folic acid as much as 400 – 1000 micrograms (mcg).
- Calcium as much as 1200 milligrams per day.
- Vitamin D as much as 15 mcg per day.
- Protein as much as 61-90 grams per day.
- Iron as much as 9-18 mg per day.
Foods that contain folic acid include green leafy vegetables, nuts, and citrus fruits (such as lemons and oranges). Consumption of folic acid supplements will be better.
Calcium supplements are also crucial in forming fetal bones. Pregnant women need to consume it because the need for calcium is very high, and it cannot be fulfilled only from food.
Meanwhile, iron supplements help prevent anemia (lack of blood) during pregnancy. Besides consuming nutritious food and supplements during pregnancy, you also need to drink lots of water.
This is to prevent the body from lack of fluids and can improve blood circulation and maintain the volume of amniotic fluid in the uterus.
Avoid infectious diseases
Several infectious diseases in pregnant women can affect the fetus in the womb, toxoplasma, herpes, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, rubella, and the Zika virus in National Health Service data can be prevented by:
- Wash your hands frequently with water and soap until clean
- Cook meat, chicken, fish, and vegetables until completely cooked
- Food consumption must be cooked, such as satay, and avoid fresh vegetables
- Avoid drinking raw milk
- Get vaccinated before getting pregnant, so the body is immune to dangerous viral infections.
- Avoid visiting areas prone to infectious diseases
Diligently do physical activity
The condition of having two bodies when accompanied by refreshing physical activity can be an effort to prevent stunting in pregnant women.
Do simple physical activities, according to your ability and doctor's instructions, such as walking, gymnastics, yoga, pilates, etc.
The benefits of physical activity are improving the circulation of blood and body fluids and preventing complaints during pregnancy, such as swollen feet and so on.
If blood circulation is smooth, the flow of nutrients to the uterus will also improve so the fetus can develop healthily and avoid stunting symptoms.
Carry out routine pregnancy checks
It is better to have regular check-ups with experts from the beginning of pregnancy, maybe midwives or obstetricians, to anticipate early abnormalities.
The purpose of routine checks is to ensure that the fetus is developing properly according to gestational age and what substances may need to be supplemented according to the advice of a health professional.