World Health Day 2025, celebrated on April 7th, focuses on the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” urging global efforts to improve maternal and newborn health. The campaign emphasizes preventing preventable deaths and enhancing healthcare for women and infants.
World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7th, is a global health awareness day organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2025, the theme for World Health Day is “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” This year’s campaign emphasizes the need to address maternal and newborn health to help end preventable maternal and infant deaths. The initiative encourages governments, healthcare systems, and the global community to increase efforts to support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the postnatal period, ensuring healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies.
10 Superfoods to Support Maternal and Newborn Health
Good nutrition during pregnancy is vital for the health of both mothers and their babies. A well-balanced diet helps in fetal development, reduces the risk of complications, and ensures a strong start for newborns. Below are 10 superfoods that are particularly beneficial for maternal and newborn health.
1. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard)
Leafy greens are rich in folate, iron, and vitamins A and C, all of which are essential during pregnancy. Folate helps prevent neural tube defects in newborns, while iron is crucial for preventing anemia, a common condition during pregnancy. Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system and helps with iron absorption.
How to Include Them:
Add spinach or kale to smoothies, salads, or soups for an easy nutritional boost.
2. Eggs
Eggs are a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline. Choline is vital for brain development and memory function in babies. Protein supports the growth of the placenta, baby, and maternal tissue, while omega-3s promote healthy brain and eye development in the fetus.
How to Include Them:
Eat boiled, scrambled, or poached eggs as part of your daily breakfast or add them to salads or wraps.
3. Avocados
Avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, which are essential for fetal brain development. They also provide potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce swelling—common issues during pregnancy.
How to Include Them:
Slice an avocado on toast, mix into smoothies, or prepare guacamole as a snack.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A), which supports the baby’s immune system and vision development. They also provide fiber, which helps prevent constipation, a common pregnancy concern.
How to Include Them:
Bake, mash, or roast sweet potatoes as a healthy side dish or snack.
5. Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for brain development and cognitive function in the baby. Omega-3s also reduce the risk of premature birth and help prevent maternal depression.
How to Include Them:
Enjoy grilled or baked salmon, or add it to salads and sandwiches for a healthy dose of omega-3s.
6. Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds, Flaxseeds)
Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. These nutrients are essential for fetal growth, boosting maternal energy levels, and supporting a healthy pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts and flaxseeds also help in reducing the risk of premature birth.
How to Include Them:
Snack on a handful of mixed nuts, or add chia seeds and flaxseeds to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, which is necessary for building the baby’s bones and teeth. It’s also rich in probiotics, which support digestive health and the immune system for both the mother and baby.
How to Include It:
Enjoy yogurt as a snack or breakfast, or add it to smoothies for a creamy texture.
8. Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries)
Berries are high in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and improve skin health. They also help fight inflammation, which is vital during pregnancy when the body undergoes significant changes.
How to Include Them:
Add berries to smoothies, cereals, or eat them as a snack or dessert.
9. Lentils and Beans
Lentils and beans are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. Iron is essential to prevent anemia, and fiber helps regulate digestion. These legumes also provide a steady energy supply for mothers, ensuring optimal health during pregnancy.
How to Include Them:
Make lentil soups, bean stews, or add them to salads and wraps for a nutritious meal.
10. Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits)
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C also helps in the formation of collagen, which is important for the development of skin, cartilage, and blood vessels.
How to Include Them:
Start the day with a glass of fresh orange juice, or snack on citrus fruits throughout the day.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. It should not be treated as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnoses and personalized guidance.
