The 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s 2nd birthday offer a unique window of opportunity to build healthier and more prosperous futures. According to the World Health Organization, improving nutrition for mothers and children during the 1,000-day window is the best investment to secure the future of children, families and nations.
Research in the fields of neuroscience, biology and early childhood development provide powerful insights into how nutrition, relationships, and environments in the 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and a child’s 2nd birthday shape future outcomes.
The nutritional status before and during pregnancy is critical for both mother and baby, determining well-being and quality of life for both, as well as the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. A lack of nutrients may even influence the reproductive capacity of women for future generations.
Nutrition plays a foundational role in a child’s development. Poor nutrition in the first 1,000 days can cause irreversible damage to a child’s growing brain, affecting their ability to do well in school and earn a good living. It can also set the stage for later obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases which can lead to a lifetime of health problems.
If you want to get pregnant or are currently in the 1,000-day period, take advantage of this window of opportunity and look for interventions to ensure healthy nutrition and development, which will bring benefits throughout their life.
It is an important time that cannot be wasted!
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