Safe Motherhood

Safe pregnancy and safe maternal and neonatal outcome is the burning topic all over the world. The journey to the moon and outer space is over lacs of kilometers and we have successfully dominated it while the journey of the fetus through the birth canal is only six inches- yet there are so many difficulties faced to overcome this. Safe motherhood means safe pregnancy duration of nine months as well as safe postpartum period for the mother and the baby. This seemingly small issue is a major problem all over the world. When I was a Ob/Gyn resident in 1985, some of the major pregnancy issues faced were postpartum hemorrhages, preeclampsia, birth canal injuries, stress urinary incontinence, etc. Even in 2020, almost all these problems are present and hindering the wellness of the mothers as well as the babies. Maternal mortality and morbidity is a leading problem in a developing country. It leads to poor perinatal outcomes and also poor neonatal outcomes. Leading problem still faced by more than 50% of mothers is anaemia due to poor nutrition, chronic diseases, multiple pregnancies, abortion and its complications etc. The data recorded in the authentic journals is just the 'tip of iceberg'. The government has to focus on these problems as these issues can be fought against easily when compared to the financial wealth spent on government functions, sports celebrations, technology development and advancement etc. There should be commitment towards solving these major hurdles as it is our ethical and moral responsibility to help the mothers with a safe and uneventful pregnancy. I believe those who can contribute in helping this cause should be encouraged to do so, as it is a big mountain to climb and needs a collaborative approach to solve it.