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Celebrating National Safe Motherhood Day 2024: Ensuring Maternal Wellness For Every Mother In India

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Although becoming a mother is a necessary experience for the survival of the human species, safe motherhood has long been a concern in the world. Safe motherhood is a major concern for many countries, including India, and it is of utmost importance to society.

Every year on April 11, Safe Motherhood Day raises awareness of the significance of maternal health and wellness, assures access to high-quality maternal healthcare services, and encourages safe delivery practices.

Maternal Health Status of India

The Registrar General of India (RGI) has produced a Special Bulletin on MMR, which states that the country's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has improved by a remarkable 6 points and is at 97/ lakh live births. This is because the illnesses linked to pregnancy are high in rural areas.

Among the illnesses linked to pregnancy that may raise the chance of maternal morbidity and death are:

• Hyperemesis gravidarum:

Severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can result in vomiting and dehydration. In addition, it may result in additional issues like weight loss.

• Group B streptococcus:

Some women have this kind of bacteria in their rectum or vagina. During childbirth, it can transmit illnesses to the mother and the unborn child.

• Infections:

Certain illnesses might create difficulties during pregnancy, such as sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections, which can occur more frequently.

To lower the risk of maternal morbidity and death, pregnant women must have access to qualified healthcare providers throughout childbirth and get appropriate prenatal care.

Government Initiatives to Improve Maternal and Child Health in India

By prioritising safe motherhood, the government has gradually stepped in through several maternal welfare programmes designed to enhance the health of expectant mothers. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit Scheme, and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) are a few of the most well-known federal and state welfare programmes. These initiatives—the first of which was introduced in 1987—have all been an attempt to alleviate the shortage of resources and encourage the usage of healthcare facilities for maternity care.

Some of the various entitlements include financial assistance, free and cashless delivery, and postnatal services for mothers and children in government health institutions in both rural and urban areas. Direct cash transfers (with incentives ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 depending on the scheme) are also promised if the mother gives birth at a medical facility rather than at home.

The following strategies might help to expect, and new moms in India to practise safe motherhood-

1. Access to prenatal care:

Frequent prenatal care visits can support positive pregnancy outcomes by assisting in the early identification and management of problems.

2. Skilled birth attendance:

Having a professional health practitioner present during delivery can reduce the risk of maternal and newborn mortality.

3. Emergency obstetric care:

Access to emergency treatment is essential to treating potential difficulties during labour.

4. Postnatal care:

Visits for postnatal care can guarantee the health of both the mother and the unborn child by identifying and managing any issues that may occur after birth.

Insurance Benefits for Women During Pregnancy & Beyond

Maternity insurance is a type of health insurance that pays for hospital stays and medical care linked to pregnancy. It is available online through a quick, easy, and user-friendly approach for cashless claims.

It can cover the following expenses:

1. Maternity-related hospitalisation

Your maternity-related hospital stays may be reimbursed for a maximum of 30 days before and 60 days following delivery. It may cover things like lodging, a doctor, a nurse, a surgeon, emergency ambulance services, etc.

2. Delivery expenses

The cost of a regular or caesarean delivery operation might range from ₹60,000 to ₹2,00,000. You can better concentrate on your newborn's care and manage these costs on time with the support of a pregnancy insurance policy with sufficient coverage.

3. Pre and post-natal care

Maternity insurance covers the medical facilities for both the mother and the baby. It can pay for the newborn's medical expenses, including immunisations, care for illnesses or other health issues, etc.

4. Treatment costs for pregnancy-related complications

Complications from pregnancy can emerge for a variety of reasons, each unique to the individual woman. Gestational diabetes, miscarriages, premature labour, medically necessary abortions, etc. are a few examples.

5. Long-term coverage

If you intend to have a second child, you may use your maternity health insurance coverage to cover the costs of the medical care, according to the terms of the policy.

Ending Note

Ensuring safe motherhood lowers the risk of problems and maternal and paediatric mortality by providing women with access to high-quality care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. To ensure that every woman can have a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery, as well as to promote maternal health and lower rates of maternal mortality, safe motherhood is essential. The general health of women and their families depends on the health of the mother.

Hence, it is recommended to invest in maternity health insurance since it also aids in lowering financial uncertainty and managing unintentional loss.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

RELATED ARTICLES

All About Maternity Insurance before You Start Planning Your Family

How to Get the Maximum Benefits from Maternity Health Cover?

Can You Get Maternity Insurance If Already Pregnant?

How Can Maternity Insurance Help You Meet Pre-and Post-Natal Costs?

Importance of Having Health Insurance with Maternity Cover

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