What is the Role of Milk in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is the beginning of a major transformation in a woman’s life. This period is not only about physical changes, but also the process of mental and emotional preparation in welcoming the new role as a mother.

Along the way, complete and balanced nutritional intake becomes the most important basic need in addition to the health of the future baby, of course, so that the mother remains energetic and confident in carrying out all her roles every day.

As the pregnancy progresses until the breastfeeding period, the body’s need for nutrients increases significantly.

Adequate and appropriate nutrient intake plays an important role in supporting the formation of fetal organs, brain development, and maintaining the mother’s endurance and energy throughout pregnancy until after giving birth. 

Moreover, the First 1000 Days of a child’s Life begins since the pregnancy process , so that early nutritional fulfillment becomes very crucial.

During pregnancy, it is necessary to understand that the nutritional needs of pregnant women are very specific. Special milk for pregnant women is designed not only as a supplement, but as a source of essential nutrients, such as protein, folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA-Omega 3, which are not necessarily found in regular milk,” said Dr. Sandy Prasetyo, SpOG, Obstetrician and Gynecologist.

“So one practical and effective solution to meet these needs is to consume milk that has been specially formulated to meet the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers,” said Dr. Sandy Prasetyo, SpOG, Obstetrician and Gynecologist.

According to Dr. Sandy, many mothers also only rely on pregnancy supplements to meet iron or folic acid requirements.

However, unlike supplements that generally only target certain needs, milk with complete and comprehensive nutrition is needed to form a strong nutritional foundation. 

Daily food intake is often not enough to meet these needs. This is where the role of milk for pregnant women is very important and needs to be the main pillar in the daily diet.

“Milk for pregnant women is indeed specifically designed to support every phase of pregnancy holistically, with a combination of essential nutrients that complement each other.”

“Maternity milk contains high-quality protein that is easier to digest and absorb to support the formation of fetal organs and brains, keep the mother fit, and help the absorption of vitamins and minerals from food and supplements. During breastfeeding, protein is also important for optimal breast milk production,” added Dr. Sandy.

Why is milk for pregnant women important?

As many as 8 out of 10 pregnant women in Indonesia are known to have low protein consumption, below 56 grams per day.

Protein deficiency in pregnant women can increase the risk of premature or low birth weight babies, inhibit fetal development, and cause health problems in mothers such as weight loss, muscle fatigue, and fluid retention. 

This is where milk for pregnant women plays a role as a source of essential nutrients that are easily digested and absorbed, providing optimal support for the mother and fetus.

“Not a few mothers feel that it is enough to just rely on supplements, even though many important nutrients, including protein, are not fully available in this form. Protein is an essential nutrient during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Although it can be obtained from various food sources, the protein in milk has the advantage because it is more easily absorbed and digested by the body,” said Dr. Sandy.

“This is what makes milk for pregnant women an important part of meeting daily nutrition, especially amidst physical changes and increasingly demanding activities,” explained Dr. Sandy.

In addition to protein, milk for pregnant women also contains DHA and Omega-3, which play an important role in the formation and development of the fetus’ brain, and continue to be needed after birth because DHA is also distributed through breast milk to support the growth and development of the baby’s brain.

Calcium in milk for pregnant women supports the formation of fetal bones and maintains the strength of the mother’s bones. During breastfeeding, calcium is also important to maintain the mother’s bone density, which can decrease due to supplying the baby’s needs.

Milk for pregnant women also contains more than 20 types of vitamins and minerals that help maintain endurance and energy during pregnancy and the mother’s recovery process after childbirth.

In conclusion, consuming milk for pregnant women regularly is not only a supplement but also an important pillar in building the foundation of overall maternal and infant health. This product does not replace staple foods or supplements, but rather becomes part of a healthy diet. 

Fulfilled nutritional needs help mothers maintain their physical condition, while providing energy and peace of mind to undergo pregnancy with confidence.

In line with the spirit of Kartini Day, Dr. Sandy reminded us again that pregnancy is not something to be afraid of, because every woman has the power to become a mother. 

“Becoming a mother is not about perfection, but about growing with the new life that is being built in the body. In this phase, women learn to listen to their bodies, take care of themselves consciously, while also strengthening their steps towards their new role, and that readiness starts with nutrition,” concluded Dr. Sandy.