Fortis Healthcare provides some quick tips to enjoy a safe and secure pregnancy

“11^th April: National Safe Motherhood Day”

New Delhi, April 10, 2018:

Every year National Safe Motherhood Day is observed in India on the 11^th of April, with the objective of creating awareness around proper healthcare and maternity facilities for pregnant and lactating women. It also seeks to create awareness about the importance of institutional deliveries. The maternal mortality rate in India is sky rocketing. The culture of going through pregnancy in a safe and healthy manner is absent in India. Women do not exercise; they do not watch their diet. They do not practice yoga or stretching to handle the pains of pregnancy and they often resort to allopathic medication instead of adopting natural home remedies.

Mothers in the low economic brackets are at a two and a half times higher mortality rate. While India has seen an overall 70 percent decline in maternal mortality between 1990 and 2012, there is still a lot to do. During 2011 and 2013, the maternal mortality rate declined to 167 per one lakh live births compared to 178. The rate of institutional delivery in India has also risen sharply from 47 per cent in 2007-08 to 75 percent. However, maternal mortality rate in India has not declined significantly in the past 15 years. 98% of maternal deaths in India are caused by direct obstetric causes (haemorrhage, infection, and hypertensive disorders, ruptured uterus, hepatitis, and anaemia).

Dr Payal Chaudhary, Senior Consultant, Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital gives women a few tips on how they can navigate their pregnancy safely:

ü Tips for anaemic woman

A pregnant woman should ensure that her iron intake is higher than usual. This will facilitate the formation of red blood cells and increase the blood in the body
Vitamin supplements such as Vitamin B12 & Iron Supplements should be added to the diet to help reverse the effect of anaemia.
The intake of caffeinated substances should be limited as it can reduce the rate of absorption of iron.
Foods rich in poultry, fish, lean red meat, beans, nuts, green leafy vegetables and seeds should be consumed.

ü During the pregnancy period what should one look out for?

Pregnant woman should practise breathing exercises twice a day to maintain their blood pressure.
They should ensure that they make monthly appointments initially till 7months & thereafter 2 weekly till 8 and half month+ with their doctors to make sure that the pregnancy is progressing smoothly.
Diets should be monitored and should be filled with vitamin rich food and iron supplements.
Stress management should be practiced. Pregnant women should not take on more than they can manage as their body is going through numerous physical and hormonal changes every day.
Exercise should be made a priority. Stretching and yoga can be practised to ensure that the body remains strong. A brisk walk is also recommended. (The same should be done in consultation with the doctor)

ü Recommended Diet for Pregnancy

Nutritious snacks, such as sliced raw vegetables, fruits, yoghurt, cheese, dals, sprouts, soya, milk and egg products, are ideal for pregnant working woman.
It is also important for pregnant women to eat at least four servings of calcium every day.
Folate and Omega-3 supplements, as prescribed by the doctor are important in ensuring mental and physical health of the body.
Snacking on popcorn, peanut butter and crackers, cheese, hardboiled eggs and fruit through the day, is recommended.
Pregnant women should keep themselves well hydrated by sipping on iced water, lemon juice or barley water.

ü Foods to be avoided during pregnancy

Foods rich in Mercury should be avoided as it can affect the kidneys, immune system and nervous system of the foetus. Fishes such as Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel and Tile Fish contain high levels of mercury and should not be consumed.
Unprocessed meat can cause several infections which can leave the mother weak and dehydrated. It can also cause bacteria and viruses to enter the body which could lead to further complications.
Caffeine is absorbed quickly into the placenta and foetus. Placentas do not have the main enzyme needed to metabolize caffeine causing high levels can build up which leads to toxicity. Too much of caffeine and aerated drinks should be avoided.
Sprouts and unpasteurised milk lead to the build-up of bacteria in the body which can be harmful for the baby.

According to UNICEF India, globally, 8000 women die every day of preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth; with 20 per cent of these women from India. That translates into an estimated 44,000 women who die due to preventable pregnancy-related causes in India.