Medical experts and researchers have highlighted the vital role of preconception care for women in India to minimise risks and achieve the best possible pregnancy outcomes.
In a workshop held by The George Institute for Global Health and DIWAS, a non-profit organisation working on women’s health, in Chennai on Saturday, experts underscored the importance of preconception care, which can help in reducing risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, maternal complications and neonatal complications.
The Reproductive and Child Health and Adolescent Programme under the National Health Mission in India aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by 2030. While it prioritises improving a woman’s wellbeing during and after pregnancy, preconception care is equally crucial, say experts.
Usha Sriram, founder of DIWAS and Head of Diabetes and Endocrinology at the Voluntary Health Services, Chennai, said, “The number of women in the reproductive age group in the country is over 300 million. So we are looking at this as a low hanging fruit, in the sense that if we address their issues, we put all those women on a healthy trajectory.”
Dr. Usha has developed a comprehensive ‘A-Z’ guideline for medical practitioners and community health workers involved in preconception care. This guideline addresses a wide range of factors, from pre-existing conditions like anaemia and blood pressure to environmental influences and social determinants of health.
Jane Hirst, Program Director of Women’s Health at The George Institute for Global Health, said, “By managing chronic diseases, optimising maternal nutritional status and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours, healthcare providers can significantly mitigate adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.”
