If there is one lesson that years of working across this industry have reinforced, it is that real life rarely goes according to plan.
Many pregnancies are unplanned or happen sooner than expected. At the same time, women are juggling professional responsibilities, family life, financial pressures and, all too often, limited access to a diverse, nutrient-rich diet.
Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that essential nutrients such as iron, folate, iodine and zinc can slip through the cracks, particularly during the demanding phases of preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Maternal health, however, does not begin at the first antenatal visit. Strong evidence shows that the first 1000 days of life, from preconception through pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life, play a pivotal role in shaping lifelong health. A mother’s nutritional status during this period affects not only her own wellbeing but also lays the foundation for healthy foetal development and long-term outcomes for her child.
Optimising health and nutrition early is therefore not a ‘nice to have’; it is a practical priority if we are serious about building healthier futures for families and communities.
Why nutrition before, during and after pregnancy matters more than we think
Micronutrient deficiencies are often invisible, but their consequences are not.
In 2024, the World Health Organization drew attention to a sobering reality that around 1 million newborns die on their first day of life, many linked to preventable factors such as inadequate maternal nutrition. In sub-Saharan Africa, many women begin pregnancy without sufficient essential vitamins and minerals – not because they are unaware or unconcerned but because life is complex and the right support often arrives too late.
It is a quiet but powerful reminder that good intentions alone are not enough; timing, access and action matter just as much.
The impacts are felt every day. Fatigue, anaemia and increased risks of low birth weight or developmental challenges remain part of reality for far too many women and families.
Folate provides a clear illustration. Adequate folate levels before conception are critical for early neural development, which occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even realises, she is pregnant. When that window is missed, it cannot be recovered later.
What consistently stands out to me is how influential seemingly small, everyday interactions can be. A routine clinic visit. A brief conversation at a pharmacy counter. These moments often shape how informed, prepared and confident a woman feels.
We do not need complex strategies to talk about health, nutrition, folate or micronutrients. What we need is consistency and space for women to prepare gradually and confidently, rather than feeling rushed or pressured once pregnancy is already underway.
While folate is essential, it is only one part of a much broader picture. Women’s health and nutritional needs are complex and addressing them requires more than a single-nutrient approach.
Multiple micronutrient supplementation offers a practical and comprehensive way to help fill common dietary gaps. When combined with as diverse a diet as possible and guidance from informed healthcare professionals, it can meaningfully support healthier pregnancies and reduce preventable complications.
The benefits extend far beyond individual families. Well-nourished women are more likely to experience better energy levels, fewer complications and smoother recoveries. Babies benefit from a stronger start to life, and over time, health systems themselves benefit from reduced avoidable strain.
Preparing earlier, even when life feels unpredictable or uncertain, is one of the most effective and achievable ways to improve outcomes at scale.
What this means in everyday life:
During conception conversations
Ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist about folate, nutrition and how to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy, even if starting a family feels far in the future.
When planning a pregnancy
Building folate levels takes time. Begin prenatal supplementation at least one month before trying to conceive and continue into early pregnancy. Discuss with your healthcare provider which multiple micronutrient option best suits your needs.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nutritional demands remain high throughout these stages. Ongoing advice on diet and micronutrient supplementation can make a meaningful difference for both mother and baby.
Healthy beginnings rarely wait for the ‘right moment’. Supporting women to prepare before pregnancy, sustain their wellbeing during it, and restore their health afterward is, in my view, one of the most meaningful investments we can make – not only for today but also for future generations.
Kelly Widdop
Consumer Health Division Head
Image credit: Freepik/katemangostar
