KARACHI: Discussing the role of nutrition in pregnancy, medical professionals at a programme held at the Sobhraj Maternity Hospital on Friday said the first 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday were of profound importance for baby’s development.

This is the time when the brain starts to grow and develops and the foundations of children’s future well-being are set.

The event titled ‘1,000 days care of pregnant women and infant and its role in reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Pakistan’ was organised by the Pakistan Medical Association and Nutrition International.

Welcoming the participants, Dr Huriyah Mufeedi, the medical superintendent of the hospital, said that all midwives and doctors should understand that the time of pregnancy and baby’s initial two years were the most important part of a pregnant woman and her baby as it determined their future well-being and positive role in society.

“All pregnant women should be seen four times during pregnancy by midwives or doctors. They all should receive iron and folic acid and counselled about the complications of pregnancy and advised family planning during antenatal care,” she said.

Midwives and doctors should make sure that the mother was not the victim of violence, receive advice on breast feeding and child nutrition after delivery, she added.

“Time has come that midwives and doctors should join hands in the interest of pregnant women and children. The hospital is ready to organise short course for family physicians in basic obstetrical care.”

Dr Sarwan Kumar said that the 1,000 days policy for mother and newborn care was showing great results in all developed countries.

“We plan to organise seminars on different parts of Sindh and create awareness among midwives and doctors to give maximum attention to their clients during this period,” he said.

Dr Sonia Rasheed, a prominent obstetrician, said that two years after delivery were very important for neonates as this was the time they start developing physically and needed nutrients for brain’s growth.

“They should be breastfed, vaccinated and receive healthy diet for normal growth. Studies have shown that children with proper care at this time do great in schools and universities and positively contribute to the community,” she said, adding that these children were more tolerant and their chances of falling ill in adult life were less.

Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro representing PMA Karachi regretted that family physicians were not playing their due role in the 1,000-day care of pregnant women and babies.

Family physicians male or female, he pointed out, should be actively involved in antenatal care and should have networking with midwives working in the community.

“Midwives should visit women after their delivery and make sure that she is not having any problem and the neonate is growing well,” he said, suggesting that family physician should get training in basic obstetrics and neonatal care.

Sharing his point of view, Dr Shershah Syed said that neonates should be seen by competent midwives and family physicians for early detection of any complications especially in the eyes to prevent blindness.

“We must make sure that no child gets blind in the one thousand days,” he remarked.

Dr Ismail Memon, also representing the PMA, appreciated the hospital administration’s offer for training healthcare staff in the 1000-day care of pregnant women and infants.

“This is a time to build trust, a relationship of confidence that could encourage the patient to share her problems and listen to us,” he said, urging midwives and doctors in attendance to show kindness and love towards patients.

The session ended with a question-answer session.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2019