During pregnancy, a woman's nutritional requirement increases, thus it is important to increase food intake to prevent being nutritionally at-risk and delivering low-birth-weight babies. Proper nutrition during pregnancy will boost the baby's development while in the womb and in doing so will reduce the risk of having an undernourish child.
Along with the 47th Nutrition Month Celebration, the Local Government Unit of Kidapawan City through the City Nutrition Office (CNO) launched the Dietary Supplementation Program (DSP) for Nutritionally-at-risk Pregnant Women of the City, the launching was conducted last July 6, 2021 at Brgy. Singao, Kidapawan City. It was graced and participated by City Councilor and Committee Chair on Health Hon. Maritess B. Malaluan, City Nutrition Action Officer - Melanie S. Espina, together with the City Nutrition Committee (CNC) members from the Information Office, Local Council for the Protection of Children, Health and Wellness Coordinator and Barangay Captain Eduardo P. Loma of Brgy. Singao.
The City Councilor Maritess B. Malaluan encourages all the pregnant beneficiaries to have a regular pre-natal visit and seeks pre-natal services in their respective Health Centers to manage and avoid the risk during pregnancy and to be psychologically and physically ready for the birth.
The Dietary Supplementation Program aims to give optimal nutrition to pregnant woman and baby by providing an adequate and appropriate supplementary food for 90 days throughout the third trimester. Food’s high in iron, iodine, and calcium, which are important nutrients during pregnancy, are included in the supplementary food. Further, the DSP will benefit a total of 100 nutritionally vulnerable pregnant women.
During pregnancy, a mother's nutrition and mental health have an impact on her overall well-being thus, everyone is encourage to promote, support, and protect good maternal nutrition to raise generations of Filipinos who can achieve their full potential and contribute to the country's growing economy. (NOIIUtlang/OIC-NPCFlores)
