The Aga Khan Development Network Digital Health Resource Centre has developed an mHealth application, PurUmeed Aghaaz, to assess the effectiveness of coaching in improving nutrition and the use of supplements (such as folic acid, iron and Vitamin D) during pregnancy, compared to standard counseling.

PurUmeed Aghaaz has been developed as a component of a research project based on Barker’s hypothesis of the fetal origin of adult disease. The Barker hypothesis suggests that poor nutrition during the antenatal period will not only affect the pregnancy outcome but could also derange epigenetic programming. This research project has been designed under the leadership of Dr Rozina Nuruddin, Assistant Professor at the Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, in collaboration with AKDN dHRC and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam.

As many studies have shown, a balanced diet, recommended consumption of micronutrients, and following a healthy lifestyle is essential during pregnancy. The new application will collect data on food and supplements consumed by pregnant women over the period of one week before each antenatal visit, using questionnaires. For ease of use, the form is auto-filled with the help of food logs maintained though integrated AI. The app also allows expectant mothers to log lifestyle habits including physical activity.

Through the data collected, the app will generate a score and recommendations. Scores generated from the six food groups will feature a combination of qualitative and quantitative scores. A good diet will always have a lower score. Each participant will receive customised push notifications or advice three times every week. The recommendations will enable women to improve their dietary intake, use of supplements, and general wellbeing relating to pregnancy.