In India, the essential vitamins and minerals are one of the largest number of people suffering from shortcomings related diseases. A Lancet Report has shown that all age groups lack iron, calcium, folate and at least 15 other major micronutrients for healthy growth and development in Indians.

This extensive nutritional difference is closely associated with the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases.

Experts explain that these shortcomings often begin as soon as they begin in the womb, affect the health of the child even before birth.

Nutrition plays a major role in pregnant women as it determines the health of the child as well as the health of the mother. Poor nutrition is usually associated with poor maternal and fetal consequences.

This leads to deficiency of anemia and vitamin, which may increase the risk of maternal mortality, pregnancy-inspired hypertension (PIH), third-trimestle bleeding, premature breakdown of membranes, prolonged labor and postpartum bleeding.

A study published in the Peer-review Journal BMC Nutrition saw the residents of the pregnant slums in Pune, Maharashtra, and found that only 37% of women were eating enough calories for their needs, and 54% were getting enough protein.

They found that women had less diets in important vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, vitamin B2, B1 and folate. Researchers concluded that women were more likely to eat various types of foods if the main earnings in their families had higher education and better jobs, and if women had less children.

Dr. According to Juhi Jain, Director, Maternity and Gynecology, nutritional lack is caused by many factors, such as dietary habits, socio-economic status, cultural factors and access to healthcare.

Decrease in dietary factors is caused by low intake of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, and vegetarian focuss more on diet.

Dr. Jain emphasized the importance of diversifying daily food by including green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, pulses, legumes and dairy. For those who eat meat, animal-based products such as eggs, fish, poultry, and dairy, they can often reduce vitamin B12 and calcium-nutrients in a vegetarian diet.

Iron and folic acid are two particularly important nutrients, and foods such as spinach, pulses, beans, and strong grains are good sources that can help reduce anemia and support healthy pregnancies.

Supplementary and food fortifications also play an important role. In many parts of India, the government already distributes free iron and folic acid tablets to pregnant women, which helps reduce the risk of anemia and birth defects.

Dr. Jain said that vitamin D and calcium supplements may also be necessary, especially in areas where natural sun or dairy intake is limited.

He also emphasized the value of community health initiatives. About the importance of balanced eating and regular health monitoring during pregnancy, nutritional education programs should be strengthened to teach women especially in rural and underscribed areas.

The expert said that reaching proper prenatal care helps that nutritional needs are quickly and constantly addressed, which helps prevent complications for both mother and child.

Socio-economic obstacles remain one of the biggest challenges to achieve nutritional security. Dr. Jain recommended to increase financial assistance through government schemes that provide nutritious food items with subsidized, such as public distribution system or mid-day meal programs.

Iron -rich rice and wheat and more accessible can help strong foods to reduce extensive deficiencies. Additionally, national campaigns such as nutrition and awareness drives such as nutrition are necessary to build public understanding and long -term behavioral changes around nutrition.

Since a woman’s body undergoes various changes during pregnancy, improving her diet can lead to a major role in improving the health of both mother and child.