In a year approximately 8 million women suffer from complicated pregnancy and half a million women die due to this complication. Unfortunately, out of these around 20% of females are Indian (WHO, 2005). The fact that most of these complications are preventable makes this situation more alarming. According to WHO report (2005), approximately 100,000 females, in India, die each year due to the pregnancy related complications.
If we talk specifically of Uttar Pradesh, there are more than 21,450 maternal deaths occurring every year. WHO (World Health Organization) strongly recommends 3 Ante Natal Check ups for the pregnant females. These ante natal check ups of pregnancy with a health care provider facilitates assessment of health and nutritional status of the mother and to obtain their baseline information on blood pressure, weight etc. An early contact with a health provider also helps to screen the complication early and manage appropriately by referral as and when required.
To control pre or post pregnancy complications, it is essential that the mother has an early contact with a health provider for regular check ups and detection of danger signs if any. In addition to physical examination, pregnancy also involves counseling on maternal diet, importance of exclusive breastfeeding and awareness on newborn danger signs. Therefore it is important that the mothers be made aware of the importance of complete and timely postnatal care. Proper and regular counseling by dais and slum based health volunteers can help improve availing postnatal care by the mother.
The National Family and Health Survey (3) indicate the need for simple, affordable and cost effective interventions that can be implemented to improve maternal health care in the rural India. Unfortunately, a study in Uttar Pradesh shows that only 2% of the pregnant women successfully receive the 3 ante natal check-up. Home deliveries continue to be the norm with only 16.7% delivered in a health facility and only one fourth of total births being attended by a skilled birth attendant.
DR. Minal Singh,
Controller, Health Services, Drishtee
(References: Regional Health Forum WHO South-East Asia Region Volume 9 Number 1, 2005)
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