"Our medical technology has advanced significantly, as we could use medical ultrasound equipment to examine foetal conditions and length of the thigh in the mother's womb," Wardoyo noted during a talk show on collaboration for stunting prevention in future brides and grooms as observed from Jakarta on Thursday.
The BKKBN head remarked that medical ultrasound technology can determine whether the foetal length has reached 48 centimetres and the thigh length has reached seven centimetres, thereby indicating a healthy foetus. The foetus has a high likelihood of stunting at birth if both indicators are not met before delivery, he explained.
On account of the fact that some regions may have limited medical equipment, Wardoyo noted that healthcare facilities without medical ultrasound equipment can instead measure the mother's height and belly circumference to determine the foetus' health.
"We already have the formula to determine the foetus' height and weight, and I believe that midwives and agency instructors have understood this simple formula," Wardoyo remarked.
The BKKBN head urged pregnant mothers to perform health checks three months before marriage to detect the probability of stunting before pregnancy.
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The health checks involve measuring physical height and weight, examining blood haemoglobin, observing the history of anaemia in mothers, and conducting early detection to identify health issues among mothers to allow earlier intervention to prevent stunting at birth, he expounded.
The agency will also encourage mothers to perform routine pregnancy checks at the nearest health facilities to ensure that their baby will be born healthy and not stunted, he added.
"The BKKBN, apart from providing treatment to mothers, will also encourage them to perform routine checks at health facilities. Mothers can access our mobile application for virtual counselling, and mothers with anaemia can also seek suggestions on medicines and digital modules for their health issue," Wardoyo stated.
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Translator: Hreeloita DS, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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