Pregnancy Care Tips: Ensuring Maternal Health and Preventing Complications
-
April 07, 2025
-
26 Views
Pregnancy Care Tips: Ensuring Maternal Health and Preventing Complications
Every year, World Health Day reminds us of the importance of health in shaping stronger individuals, families, and societies. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” zooms in on maternal and newborn health—a topic that doesn't just affect women and infants, but entire generations to come.
From the first heartbeat to the first cry, every moment of pregnancy and childbirth is loaded with hope. But for too many women in India, that hope is shadowed by risk. As we mark April 7th, it’s time to turn awareness into action, starting with the facts we can’t ignore.
The State of Pregnancy in India: The Silent Crisis
A recent study analyzing data from nearly 24,000 pregnant women in India paints a concerning picture:
- 49.4% of pregnancies were high-risk
- 33% had at least one high-risk factor
- 16.4% had multiple high-risk indicators
- 31.1% experienced short birth spacing
- 19.5% reported adverse birth outcomes during their last delivery
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re red flags. What's more troubling is that high-risk pregnancies are disproportionately seen in vulnerable populations—women who are uneducated or belong to the poorest socioeconomic groups.
Risk factors like short birth intervals, caesarean deliveries, and previous complications need focused interventions. It's time to bring maternal health out of the shadows and place it at the heart of our health policies and community conversations.
Busting Pregnancy Myths: Know the Truth
When it comes to pregnancy, everyone seems to have advice. But not all of it is helpful—or even true. Let’s separate fact from fiction:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "Eating for two means double the food." | You need more nutrients, not more quantity. Focus on balanced meals, not double portions. |
| "Heartburn means your baby has a lot of hair." | This old wives' tale is just that—a tale. Heartburn is common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach. |
| "You shouldn't exercise while pregnant." | Unless advised otherwise by a doctor, light to moderate exercise can actually be beneficial. |
| "All pregnancies are the same." | Every pregnancy is unique. Risk factors, symptoms, and experiences vary widely. |
| "C-sections are the safer option." | Not always. While necessary in some cases, unnecessary C-sections can carry their own risks. |
Empowering women with the right information is half the battle won. Myths can mislead and sometimes even harm. Awareness ensures better choices and outcomes.
Watch Out: Common Health Risks During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative time, but it comes with its share of health risks—especially when prenatal care is lacking or delayed. Here are some key conditions to be mindful of:
- Gestational Diabetes: Can affect the baby's growth and increase the risk of complications during delivery.
- High Blood Pressure / Preeclampsia: Can lead to serious health problems for both mother and baby if untreated.
- Anaemia: Affects energy levels and fetal development; common in Indian women due to iron-deficiency.
- Infections: From urinary tract infections to rubella, infections can cause complications if not diagnosed and treated early.
- Short birth spacing: Less than 18–24 months between pregnancies increases risks of premature birth and low birth weight.
Routine check-ups, screenings, and early interventions can prevent many of these complications. Let’s prioritize regular antenatal visits and community-level health education.
What to Eat During and After Pregnancy: Nourishing Two Lives
Nutrition is the backbone of a healthy pregnancy. Both during and after childbirth, what a woman eats directly influences her recovery and the baby's development.
During Pregnancy:
- Iron-Rich Foods: Spinach, legumes, fortified cereals – to combat anaemia.
- Protein: Eggs, milk, dal, lean meats – vital for fetal growth.
- Calcium: For bone health – include dairy, ragi, sesame seeds.
- Folic Acid: Leafy greens, citrus fruits – helps prevent neural tube defects.
- Hydration: 8-10 glasses of water a day to support digestion and blood flow.
Avoid: Raw seafood, unpasteurized dairy, excessive caffeine, and street food with hygiene concerns.
Post-Pregnancy (Lactation Phase):
- More calories, but nutrient-dense: Think nuts, seeds, fruits, and whole grains.
- Hydration is key to milk production.
- Include galactagogues (foods that help increase milk supply): fenugreek, garlic, and oats.
- Continue iron and calcium supplements if advised.
A well-nourished mother = a well-nourished baby. Let’s shift the narrative from cravings to conscious eating.
Planning a Pregnancy? Start with These 8 Health Essentials
Healthy beginnings don’t start when you see a positive pregnancy test. They begin much earlier—often months before conception. If you're thinking about starting a family, here are some key health tips to prepare your body and mind for a safe and confident journey into motherhood:
1. Schedule a Preconception Check-up
Begin with a consultation with your gynaecologist or primary care doctor. A preconception health assessment helps identify and manage any underlying health conditions such as thyroid imbalances, diabetes, anaemia, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which could affect your pregnancy outcomes.
2. Discuss Nutritional Needs, Including Folic Acid
Speak to your gynaecologist or healthcare provider about essential nutrients that support fetal development, including folic acid. Supplementation may be recommended to help reduce the risk of certain birth defects, but the dosage and timing should always be guided by a medical professional.
3. Eat for Strength, Not Just for Two
Focus on balanced, nourishing meals that include:
- Whole grains for sustained energy
- A variety of fruits and vegetables for vitamins and fiber
- Lean proteins to support muscle development and hormone regulation
- Healthy fats like those from nuts, seeds, and avocados
Now is also the time to reduce processed foods, limit added sugars, and build a relationship with food that supports long-term well-being.
4. Aim for a Healthy Weight
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm birth. Simple, consistent movement—like walking, light strength training, or yoga—can make a big difference over time.
5. Let Go of Harmful Habits
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and any recreational substances. These can impact fertility and may increase the risk of miscarriage or developmental issues. If you're struggling to quit, speak to your healthcare provider for support programs or guidance.
6. Protect Your Emotional Health
Mental health is a vital part of preconception care. Take steps to reduce stress through mindfulness, sleep, physical activity, and—when needed—professional support. The emotional journey of parenthood begins long before birth.
7. Build Awareness and Confidence
Understanding your menstrual cycle, fertile window, and how conception works can help reduce anxiety and guide your efforts. You might also consider joining a preconception health class or support group to stay informed and empowered.
8. Involve Your Partner
A healthy pregnancy is a shared responsibility. Encourage your partner to also focus on health, including nutrition, stress management, and medical check-ups. A shared commitment can make the experience more meaningful and supportive.
As we reflect on this year’s theme—Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures—let’s acknowledge that planning for pregnancy is not just about becoming a parent. It’s about preparing the foundation for lifelong health for both mother and child.
When women have access to the right information, supportive care, and nurturing environments, they don’t just carry life—they elevate it.
This World Health Day, let’s commit to turning awareness into action, and preparation into power. Because when maternal health is prioritized, the future becomes brighter for everyone.
Download App
- © 2025 HealthMeter Services Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of use
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- Legal
Site by Intermind