Maternal Health: Maternal mortality has decreased, but anemia remains a major risk in 57% of women, experts warn.

Pregnancy Complications: According to a study, the country's maternal health rate has declined from 384 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 88 in 2023. Let us tell you.

Anaemia in pregnant women in India

Safe Motherhood and Maternal Health Care: India has seen significant improvements in maternal health over the past two decades. According to a study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health, the country's maternal health rate has declined from 384 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 88 in 2023. This decline is considered one of the fastest improvements in the world. However, experts say that to maintain this achievement, special attention will be needed to address serious health problems like anemia.

What are the reasons for improvement in maternal health?

Women across India experience diverse maternal journeys. In urban areas, many women are prioritizing education, careers, and financial stability, and are choosing to delay family life. In rural areas, women conceive at a young age but lack adequate access to regular pre- and post-pregnancy healthcare. This necessitates a comprehensive and continuous healthcare system to ensure safe maternal health.

57 percent of women are facing this problem.

According to data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 57 percent of women aged 15 to 49 suffer from anemia. This figure was 53 percent in the previous survey report. Experts say anemia increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as excessive bleeding, infection, and premature delivery. This is why it is considered one of the major bleeding-related challenges.

What are the causes of iron deficiency?

Health experts say that iron deficiency doesn't develop overnight. Iron levels gradually decline due to nutritional deficiencies, lack of adequate dietary diversity, and excessive menstrual bleeding. This is why a life-cycle-based approach to women's health is considered crucial. It is essential to ensure that iron and folic acid supplements available under national programs are delivered to women in a timely manner.

Ways to avoid the problem of anemia?

Iron tablets are often considered the first-line treatment option for mild to moderate anemia because they are inexpensive, accessible, and effective. However, sometimes women may find it difficult to take them regularly or their absorption is inadequate. In such cases, intravenous iron therapy, such as ferric carboxymaltose IV-FCM, may be an important option, especially for pregnant women diagnosed with severe anemia in the last months of pregnancy.

In which stage does maternal mortality occur the most?

Postpartum hemorrhage (PHE), excessive bleeding after childbirth, remains a leading cause of maternal mortality in India. To address this issue, interventions like the e-Motive Bundle have proven effective. In trials conducted on over 200,000 deliveries in resource-limited areas, this model reduced complications related to severe bleeding by 60 percent.