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Practitioners’ Diary

Technology-driven Antenatal Care May Be a Way-out for Improving Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in a Vast Country like India

Dr Siddhartha Chatterjee, Arpan Chatterjee, Rajib Gon Chowdhury

Department:

GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS

Abstract:

Antenatal care plays an important role in reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. One estimate from World Health Organisation and the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation suggests 800 women die from preventable diseases in relation to pregnancy and childbirth every year. In India proper antenatal care is most important to protect maternal and neonatal health. Still some lacunae persist to reach the goal of safe pregnancy and safe childbirth. Certain technology derived protocols are necessary to assist the antenatal care. There are certain goals for antenatal care. It is aimed for identification of high-risk cases. Mothers are educated regarding antenatal exercises, physiological changes in pregnancy along with breastfeeding, neonatal and child care. Antenatal care involves antenatal visits, routine testing and screening of maternal diseases, any foetal anomalies, etc. Antenatal visits include monthly examination till 28 weeks of pregnancy, then fortnightly till 36 weeks and weekly till delivery. Laboratory tests in various forms are done in these visits. Vaccinations and iron and folic acid prophylaxis for prevention of anaemia are carried out. In the ‘Calcutta Fertility Mission’ centre some important management is done in infertile couples with subsequent pregnancies, recurrent spontaneous abortions, any other reproductive problems, etc. Obstetric catastrophes can be minimised if a strict surveillance is maintained throughout the pregnancy. The procedure of such a technology derived antenatal care can be implemented taking help form healthcare workers, non-governmental organisations, private hospitals and so on. A pilot study involving general population can be planned in such a way. A selected area like one or two districts can be identified to perform such a pilot study. Services of general population, local bodies, local social welfare organisations are very important to run the project successfully.

Keyword:

Antenatal care, pregnancy, medical complications, breastfeeding, neonatal care, technology-driven

Journal: Medical Glory Vol 5, Issue No 1, January-March, 2021

 

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