Prematurity Awareness in India: Spotlight on Bihar

Prematurity Awareness in India: Spotlight on Bihar

Premature birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is a critical health concern. India accounts for nearly 3.5 million preterm births annually, with Bihar contributing significantly due to socio-economic challenges, limited healthcare access, and high maternal malnutrition. Prematurity not only impacts neonatal survival but also poses long-term health risks for the baby.

Common Causes of Preterm Births in Bihar

1. Maternal Malnutrition

• Poor dietary intake leads to undernourished mothers, increasing risks of complications.

• High prevalence of anemia (63% of pregnant women in Bihar) weakens maternal and fetal health.

2. Teenage Pregnancies

• Early marriages lead to pregnancies in underdeveloped bodies, increasing the likelihood of preterm births.

3. Inadequate Prenatal Care

• Many women lack access to skilled healthcare, especially in rural areas, resulting in unmonitored pregnancies.

4. Physically Demanding Work

• Pregnant women often engage in labor-intensive work, causing undue physical stress.

5. Poor Awareness

• Limited knowledge about pregnancy care and warning signs of preterm labor exacerbates risks.

How to Avoid Preterm Deliveries: Advice for Expectant Mothers

1. Focus on Nutrition

• What to Do: Consume a balanced diet with iron-rich foods (leafy greens, lentils), calcium (milk, yogurt), and protein (eggs, pulses).

• Supplements: Take prescribed iron, folic acid, and multivitamins regularly.

2. Limit Physical Strain

• Avoid: Heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or physically demanding work.

• Adopt: Rest periods during daily tasks and seek help when needed.

3. Attend Regular Prenatal Check-Ups

• Why: Early detection of complications like infections or high blood pressure can prevent preterm labor.

• Tip: Ensure at least four antenatal visits during pregnancy.

4. Avoid Harmful Substances

• Smoking and Alcohol: Strictly avoid during pregnancy as they increase risks of preterm birth.

• Pollutants: Limit exposure to environmental toxins and second-hand smoke.

• Caffeine: Restrict intake to moderate levels.

5. Delay Pregnancy for Adolescents

• Advice: Avoid teenage pregnancies by ensuring proper age and health readiness before conception.

• Family Planning: Use contraceptive methods for healthy pregnancy spacing.

6. Manage Stress

• How: Practice light yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises.

• Why: Reducing stress helps maintain hormonal balance, crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

Available Healthcare Resources in Bihar

1. Government Support

• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) provide free maternal and neonatal care, especially for low-income families.

• Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) in district hospitals offer advanced care for premature babies.

2. Community Health Workers

• Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) guide pregnant women on nutrition, hygiene, and prenatal care.

3. Private Maternity Care

• Urban areas like Patna have growing private healthcare facilities with better prenatal and neonatal care.

Conclusion

Prematurity is a preventable challenge when risks are identified early, and mothers receive the right care. For women in Bihar, prioritizing nutrition, avoiding stress, and utilizing available healthcare resources can significantly lower the chances of preterm births. Together, communities, healthcare providers, and government initiatives can ensure every child is given a healthy start in life.

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