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DISCOVER THE TREND OF “NUTRITION WITH A POSITIVE VIBE”
👩🦰 Adolescence-Foundation for Future Motherhood (Stage I)
Adolescent Stage: 🌱 A Journey of Growth and Change
Adolescence is the transition period between childhood and adulthood, usually between 10–19 years of age. It is marked by physical growth, emotional development, and social changes. During this stage, young people begin to discover their identity, independence, and place in society.
Physical Development
- Rapid growth in height and weight (growth spurt).
- Development of secondary sexual characteristics (voice changes, facial hair in boys; breast development and menstruation in girls).
- Increase in strength, stamina, and hormonal activity.
Emotional & Psychological Development
- Developing a sense of identity and self-esteem.
- Increased independence from parents.
- Emotional ups and downs due to hormonal changes.
- Curiosity about relationships, body image, and future goals.
Social Development
- Stronger influence of peer groups and friendships.
- Desire for acceptance, belonging, and recognition.
- Exploration of new roles and responsibilities.
- Beginning to shape career aspirations and personal values.
Global & South Asia Snapshot on Adolescent health:
Adolescents today face a silent crisis in health. By 2030, over 460 million young people worldwide are projected to be overweight or obese. At the same time, millions struggle with malnutrition, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies—problems that directly affect growth, learning, and future well-being.
In South Asia, the picture is especially worrying:
- 1 in 10 girls (10–19 years) face both anemia and unhealthy weight.
- 1 in 4 suffer deficiencies in iron, folate, vitamin D, or zinc.
- In India, nearly 27% of adolescents are stunted, while poor diets and hygiene continue to fuel anemia.
Lifestyle changes are making matters worse—studies show 1 in 3 adolescents in Punjab are overweight or obese, largely due to junk food and sugary drinks.
Encouragingly, schools and policymakers are stepping up:
- CBSE’s “oil boards” now display fat content of snacks, making students aware of unhealthy choices.
- Delhi’s new nutrition program is already guiding 6,000+ students toward healthier lifelong habits.
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re a wake-up call. Acting now can shape a healthier, more confident generation.
Sources: The Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health, UNICEF South Asia, Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS)
🤰 Pregnancy-Nurturing Two Lives (Stage II)
Pregnancy is a transformative journey that nurtures both the mother and her growing baby. Each stage brings unique physical, emotional, and nutritional needs. Proper care during this period lays the foundation for a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and long-term wellbeing for both mother and child.
First Trimester (0–12 weeks)
- What happens: The baby’s brain, heart, and vital organs begin to form. Mothers may experience fatigue, nausea, mood swings, and food aversions.
- Key Nutrition:
- Folic Acid & Iron – Prevent neural tube defects and support blood formation.
- Small, frequent meals to ease morning sickness.
- Lifestyle Tips: Adequate rest, light physical activity (like walking or prenatal yoga), and avoiding smoking/alcohol.
Second Trimester (13–27 weeks)
- What happens: Baby’s bones, muscles, and senses develop. Mothers often feel more energetic and begin to notice the baby’s movements.
- Key Nutrition:
- Calcium & Vitamin D – Build baby’s bones and teeth.
- Protein-rich foods – Support rapid growth of tissues.
- Fruits & Vegetables – Provide fiber to prevent constipation.
- Lifestyle Tips: Maintain healthy weight gain, stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothing, and practice good posture.
Third Trimester (28–40 weeks)
- What happens: Baby’s brain and lungs mature, fat stores build, and the body prepares for birth. Mothers may feel back pain, swelling, and heartburn.
- Key Nutrition:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) – Crucial for baby’s brain and eye development.
- Iron & Vitamin C – Prevent anemia and boost immunity.
- Light meals – Reduce indigestion and reflux.
- Lifestyle Tips: Gentle exercise, relaxation techniques for labor preparation, and regular medical checkups.
General Pregnancy Care
- Regular antenatal visits to monitor mother and baby’s health.
- Safe supplements only as prescribed by a doctor.
- Balanced diet: Whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy/alternatives, and healthy fats.
- Emotional wellbeing: Stress management, family support, and open communication with healthcare providers.
Global & India–South Asia: Maternal Health Snapshot
Global Trends
- Maternal mortality: ~260,000 deaths in 2023; 92% in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Global MMR fell from 328 → 197 (2000–2023), but progress has stalled—faster action is needed to meet SDG 2030 goals.
- Anemia in pregnancy: Affects ~37% of pregnant women worldwide, highest in Africa & South Asia.
- Antenatal care (ANC): WHO recommends ≥4 ANC visits, yet many LMICs remain below optimal coverage.
- Lifestyle risks: 31% of adults globally are physically inactive; guidance for pregnancy is 150 min/week moderate activity.
In India & South Asia
- Mortality: India’s MMR continues to decline (SRS 2020–22, UN 2025 update).
- ANC coverage: 59% women receive ≥4 visits; 70% register in the first trimester. But only ~32% get adequate-quality ANC.
- Anemia: Extremely high burden—50%+ pregnant women affected, with socio-economic disparities.
- Iron–Folic Acid (IFA): 44% took ≥100 days; only 26–34% managed ≥180 days (below program targets).
- Breastfeeding practices: Early initiation (within 1 hr) ~42%; exclusive breastfeeding (0–6 months) ~65%.
Lifestyle & Nutrition
- Dietary diversity: Only ~55% meet minimum diet diversity; poor diets linked with anemia & low birth weight.
- Physical activity: Antenatal activity remains low (~3–10%); inactivity linked to adverse outcomes.
- Gestational diabetes (GDM): Prevalence ~13% across India, with regional variation.
These figures reveal both progress and gaps. India and South Asia are improving, but stronger focus on quality care, nutrition, and lifestyle is vital to safeguard mothers and newborns.
Sources: WHO, UNICEF, NFHS-5, UN Estimates (2025), BMC Public Health.
🤱 Lactation-Nourishing Growth (Stage III)
The lactation stage begins right after childbirth, when a mother’s body produces milk to nourish her baby. Breastfeeding is more than just nutrition—it builds immunity, strengthens bonding, and supports the lifelong health of both mother and child.
Early Lactation (0–6 months)
- Baby’s Needs: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended. Breast milk provides all essential nutrients, antibodies, and hydration.
- Mother’s Nutrition:
- Extra energy and protein to support milk production.
- Iron, calcium, iodine, and vitamin D for maternal health.
- Hydration: Adequate water intake is essential.
- Tip: Feed on demand (day and night) to establish a good milk supply.
Extended Lactation (6–24 months)
- Baby’s Needs: Breastfeeding continues while solid foods are introduced at around 6 months. Breast milk still contributes key nutrients and immune protection.
- Mother’s Nutrition:
- Balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats.
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and highly processed foods.
- Tip: Responsive feeding (based on baby’s hunger cues) supports healthy growth and bonding.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
- For Baby: Strengthens immunity, reduces infection risk, supports brain development, lowers chances of allergies and obesity.
- For Mother: Helps uterus return to normal size, reduces risk of breast & ovarian cancers, supports healthy weight management, and enhances emotional bonding.
Mother’s Care During Lactation
- Get enough rest and sleep whenever possible.
- Stay emotionally supported—stress can affect milk production.
- Practice good breastfeeding positions to avoid back pain.
- Attend postnatal checkups for guidance and reassurance.
Breastfeeding & Maternal Health/ Nutrition Snapshot
Global Picture (UNICEF 2023)-
- Exclusive breastfeeding (0–6 months): ~48% (close to 2025 target: 50%).
- Early initiation (within 1 hr): ~46%.
- Continued breastfeeding: 71% at 1 year; 45% at 2 years.
- WHO/UNICEF Guidelines: Start within 1 hour, exclusive for 6 months, continue up to 2 years.
In India & South Asia-
- Exclusive breastfeeding: Median rose from 2.9 → 3.9 months.
- Early initiation: ~41% (no major improvement).
- Women’s nutrition: Anemia increased (53% → 57%); obesity rising (21% → 24%).
- Lactating adolescents: Anemia remains critically high (~66%).
- Malnutrition double burden: Among women – 24% overweight/obese, 18.7% underweight. Anemia affects 61% of breastfeeding women and 52% of pregnant women.
The Takeaway-
Despite modest gains, South Asia faces a double nutrition challenge—anemia + rising obesity. Supporting adolescent girls, expectant mothers, and lactating women with timely nutrition, counselling, and breastfeeding support is key to breaking the cycle.
Sources: UNICEF Global Breastfeeding Scorecard 2023, WHO/UNICEF Guidelines, NFHS-4/5, BMC Public Health (2024), J Family Med Prim Care (2023).