### Malnourishment in Pregnant Women
A woman from a low-income neighborhood in Karachi asked a doctor why they eat gutka so much, revealing a common misconception about hunger and malnourishment. In Pakistan, 18% of married women of reproductive age are nutrient-deficient, leading to stunted growth in 44% of children.
### Misunderstanding Malnourishment
Defining terms like ‘malnourishment’ and ‘underweight’ can vary among different socio-economic backgrounds. Pregnant women in low-income areas may not realize they are malnourished due to a lack of understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet.
### Challenges Faced by Pregnant Women
Stories of pregnant women like Kiran and Bushra shed light on the struggles faced by those in resource-constrained environments. Lack of access to nutritious food, transportation, and healthcare services contribute to the cycle of malnourishment and poor maternal health.
### Impact on Maternal and Child Health
Dr. Fyezah Jehan from AKUH emphasizes the critical role of nutrition in maternal and child health. Malnourishment during pregnancy can lead to babies being born smaller for their age, impacting their physical and cognitive development in the long term.
### Addressing the Issue
Efforts to address malnourishment in pregnant women and children are essential to break the cycle of poor health outcomes. Providing access to nutritious food, healthcare services, and education on proper nutrition can help improve maternal and child health outcomes in resource-constrained communities.
Original Story at www.dawn.com – 2024-04-03 07:37:40
