Your gateway to world-class research journals
Dr Siddhartha Chatterjee, Arpan Chatterjee, Rajib Gon Chowdhury
Department: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.
Antenatal care, pregnancy, medical complications, breastfeeding, neonatal care, technology-driven
Journal: Medical Glory Vol 5, Issue No 1, January-March, 2021