Safe Motherhood And Maternal Health Care: Significant improvement has been recorded in the field of maternal health in India in the last two decades. According to a study published in ‘The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health’, the country’s maternal health rate has declined from 384 deaths per 1 lakh live births in the year 2000 to 88 in 2023. This decline is considered to be one of the fastest improvements in the world. However, experts say that to maintain this achievement further, special attention will have to be paid to serious health problems like anemia.
What are the areas for improvement in maternal health?
The maternal journey of women in the country goes through different circumstances. Many women in urban areas are deciding to raise a family late, giving priority to education, career and economic stability. Whereas in rural areas, women conceive at a young age, but they do not get adequate regular health services before and after pregnancy. In such a situation, the need for a comprehensive and continuous health care system is being felt to ensure safe maternal health.
57 percent women are struggling with this problem
According to the data of National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 57 percent of women in the age group of 15 to 49 years are suffering from anemia. In the last survey report this figure was 53 percent. According to experts, anemia increases the risk of problems like excessive bleeding, infection and premature delivery during pregnancy. This is the reason why it is counted among the major challenges related to bleeding.
What are the causes of iron deficiency?
Health experts say that iron deficiency does not occur in a day. Due to lack of nutrients in food, lack of adequate dietary variety and excessive bleeding during periods, the iron level in the body gradually decreases. For this reason, a life-cycle based approach is being considered important for women’s health. It has been said that it is necessary to ensure timely delivery of iron and folic acid supplements available to women under national programmes.
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Ways to avoid the problem of anemia?
Iron tablets are considered the first option of treatment in cases of mild and moderate anemia as they are affordable, accessible and effective. However, sometimes it is not easy for women to take them regularly or their absorption in the body is not sufficient. In such cases, intravenous iron therapy such as ferric carboxymaltose IV-FCM may prove to be an important option, especially for pregnant women who are diagnosed with severe anemia in the last months of pregnancy.
In which stage maternal mortality occurs the most?
In India, excessive bleeding after delivery i.e. postpartum hemorrhage is still one of the major causes of maternal mortality. To deal with this, measures like e-motive bundle have proven effective. In trials conducted on more than two lakh deliveries in areas with limited resources, this model reduced the problems related to severe bleeding by 60 percent.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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