The First Two Months Of Pregnancy Becomes Decisive, Mother Nutrition Really Determines Stunting Risk

JAKARTA - Prevention of stunting begins with simple but consistent steps, especially related to the fulfillment of maternal nutrition from before and during pregnancy. Lack of important nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids can have an impact on the development of the fetus and the early days of child life.

Therefore, the health readiness of prospective mothers, early detection of pregnancy, regular examination, and adequate nutrition are the main keys in preventing children's growth and development.

Then assistance for pregnant and lactating women, as well as increasing public understanding of the importance of micronutrients, is part of an effort to ensure that children get a strong health foundation from the start of their lives.

Deputy for the Movement and Participation of the Community, Kemendukbangga/BKKBN, Drs. Sukaryo Teguh Santoso, M.Pd, emphasized that stunting is a long-term problem that requires a comprehensive health approach.

"Stunting is not just a problem of nutrition, but a matter of the future of the generation. Therefore, assistance must come holistically, from upstream to downstream. Starting from sanitation, clean water, to nutritional intake," he explained in a statement from BKKBN and Blackmores, to VOI.

This view is in line with the attention of health practitioners who emphasize the fulfillment of nutrition and maternal readiness from the beginning of pregnancy cannot be separated from efforts to reduce the risk of stunting.

"The root of maternal and child health problems begins as a teenager. The lack of women's health readiness is a challenge that must be overcome through sustainable education. The first two months of pregnancy is a crucial period because the entire fetal nervous system has begun to form. Therefore, early detection of pregnancy," explained the Secretary of the West Java BKKBN Representative, Kukuh Dwi Setiawan.

In its implementation, the Australian supplement producer was also involved in a number of activities that emphasized maternal nutrition education and health assistance in various regions.

These activities include providing information about the need for micronutrients, the importance of maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy, as well as education about the role of vitamins and minerals in the formation of the nervous system and fetal growth.

In some priority areas, such as West Java, Bali, Aceh, Lombok to Papua, products are also distributed that are formulated for pregnant and lactating women as part of the support for the fulfillment of nutrition for children and pregnant women, such as the need for folic acid, iron, iodine, omega-3, as well as other vitamins and minerals needed to support health.

These ingredients help complement daily needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as support optimal growth and development in the early days of children's lives. This effort is expected to provide tangible benefits, especially in areas that still face high stunting rates.

"We hope that this contribution can help raise awareness of the importance of fulfilling micronutrients such as vitamins, DHA, and omega-3 which are essential from pregnancy to breastfeeding, together with BKKBN, we want to expand public understanding of the right role of nutrition for pregnant and lactating women," explained the Country Head/Director of Kalbe Blackmores Nutrition, Dickson Susanto.