Maternal Health
Mother is the most beautiful word of the human dictionary. Motherhood begins from the first day of conception of her first child and continues throughout the life of a mother. No health problem can be of greater consequence to a nation than the
maternal health because a healthy mother means a healthy and happy family. A maternal death is defined as the death of any woman for whatever cause while pregnant or within 90 days or one year of termination of pregnancy. It is expressed as the number of deaths per 10,000 total births (including abortions).
Maternal mortality varies from state to state and even within the state from area to area depending on the Health Services available.
In USA 16-19 years gets pregnant accidentally. Pregnancies come in rapid succession taking their toll on her health. The young girl requires iron and calcium in her diet. A sedentary life is not advocated in teenage girls and mothers must offer adequate psychological support. Every
pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks from the time of conception. There are whole, body changes during pregnancy – physically, physiologically and psychologically. The blood volume increases, the demands of glucose, protein, calcium increase. The body requires more of folic acid, and iron to avoid anemia. Now-a-days metals like Zinc, Magnesium and Selenium are also gaining importance as factors which prevent pregnancy complications. A pregnant lady needs the following protocol.
- Visit to a good specialist at the earliest to confirm the pregnancy.
- Regular visits/monthly up to 20 weeks every 15 days up to 36 weeks then weekly up to term.
- All Blood and Urine tests by 14-16 weeks.
- Immunization.
- Good diet – Milk, eggs, green vegetables, Fish / Chicken / Soya, Groundnuts, Fruits and Dried fruits.
- Care against constipation and urinary infection.
(Adequate water should be drunk). Soft laxatives are advised where required.
- Physical activity is important
- Psychological support
- Report in the event of complications, like bleeding, watery discharge, pain, loss of movements, swelling of feet, face and hands, excessive vomiting etc.
Lactation is another very important period. Woman must eat regular, fat free, nutritious diet. Early breast feeding is best. Mother needs lots of patience and support to establish breast feeding. Breast feeding is not a contraceptive method.
Maternal Health is the prime consideration factor. The 1st year of new born is full of trials for a mother. This is the period when tends to neglect her health. Timely meals are impossible due to which she may go into long phases of `pseudo-fasting’. Ill-Health begins here and continues for life. So balance diet is the best option.
