#Japan #Edogawa #Asuken #Edogawa Ward #Pregnancy Support

Edogawa Ward's Innovative Approach to Maternal Nutrition

Edogawa Ward in Tokyo is taking a groundbreaking step in maternal health by providing free access to the 'Asu Mama Course' of the AI meal management app Asuken for expecting mothers and their partners. Starting from August 1, 2025, this initiative aims to support nutrition and weight management during pregnancy, a crucial time for both mothers and their babies. This service will be offered free for a duration of six months (180 days), ensuring enhanced health outcomes for residents of Edogawa Ward.

Asuken, renowned for its role as the leading AI meal management application in Japan with over 12 million users, focuses on ensuring that pregnant women receive the right dietary guidance. With proper nutrient intake being critical during pregnancy, many women face challenges such as uncertainty about food choices and nutritional balance. A survey conducted by Edogawa Ward revealed that approximately 18% of young women fall under the 'underweight' category (BMI below 18.5). Such conditions can potentially lead to low birth weight and complications during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for balanced nutrition.

Addressing Nutritional Challenges During Pregnancy

The decision to offer this service stems from previous attempts by Edogawa Ward to provide dietary support through in-person counseling and meal assessments. However, only 7.8% of pregnant women availed themselves of these services, primarily due to logistical challenges. The new approach using the Asuken app eliminates the necessity for physical attendance, providing timely nutritional advice directly to smartphones. This allows mothers to manage their health with ease and convenience, supported by dietary advice from registered nutritionists.

In 2021, a study highlighted significant gaps in dietary intake, revealing that over 90% of expectant mothers lacked essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and vitamin B1—nutrients that are crucial during pregnancy. Recognizing the heightened awareness about dietary habits during pregnancy, Edogawa Ward decided to invest in this program, aligning it with AI technology for real-time nutrition management through the Asu Mama Course.

Course Overview and Benefits

The 'Asu Mama Course' offers personalized advice tailored to the nutritional needs of pregnant women. Utilizing the app, users can easily track their dietary intake and weight, receiving visual feedback through graphs. The app provides specific nutrient intake targets based on gestational weeks and allows users to monitor their weight trends effectively.

The expected benefits of the Asu Mama Course include:

• - Personalized Nutritional Management: Targets nutrient intake according to the week of pregnancy.
• - Weight Monitoring: Graphical display of weight progress and weekly target guidelines.
• - Expert Guidance: Access to nutrition advice tailored for pregnancy and postpartum phases.
• - Informative Resources: Articles and tips on dos and don'ts during pregnancy, including addressing common concerns like morning sickness.

By increasing accessibility to crucial food and nutrition information, the app empowers expectant mothers to make informed dietary decisions. Users can document any nausea or pregnancy-related issues, receiving personalized advice aimed at easing their discomfort during challenging times.

Commitment to Maternal Health

Ms. Yoshiko Kikuchi, Head of the Health Services Division at Edogawa Ward, emphasized the significance of dietary management in safeguarding the health of both mothers and newborns. By introducing the Asu Mama Course, the ward aims to furnish residents with efficient tools to optimize their dietary habits, thereby facilitating a healthy pregnancy journey.

The enrollment process for the course will commence on August 1, 2025, with further details announced on Edogawa Ward's official website. Expectant mothers residing in the ward and their partners are encouraged to take part in this significant initiative to enhance their maternal care experience while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Asuken, designed to be the dietitian for every individual, continuously strives to assist users in achieving a healthier lifestyle through robust meal management solutions. As Edogawa Ward takes this progressive step, the collaboration is expected to set a precedent for other regions looking to enhance maternal health globally.