Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 24: Maternal well-being is not limited to saving childbirth alone, but it encompasses physical, mental, and social health before, during, and after pregnancy, doctors said.
They said that prioritising maternal health is one of the most effective ways to reduce infant mortality, improve child development, and build a healthier society.
Dr Tanveer Ahmad Dar, a general physician, said that the period from conception through early childhood is crucial for a child’s growth.
“A mother’s nutrition, emotional well-being, and access to quality healthcare directly influence fetal development, as well as a child’s immunity, learning abilities, and long-term health,” he said.
Dr Tanveer said that poor maternal health increases the risk of complications such as low birth weight, premature births, and developmental delays. “Women who receive timely care are more likely to give birth to healthy children and recover well after delivery,” he added.
Dr Nazir Ahmad, another doctor, said that anaemia remains one of the leading health challenges among pregnant women. He said adequate intake of iron, folic acid, calcium, and protein is essential for the mother’s strength and the baby’s growth.
“Routine medical check-ups help detect high blood pressure, diabetes, and infections early,” Dr Nazir said, adding that postnatal care ensures proper recovery, supports breastfeeding, and identifies postpartum complications.
According to doctors, stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy can affect both mother and child, and there is a need to break the stigma around mental health and encourage timely counselling and family support. They added that early professionals point to early marriages, closely spaced pregnancies, infections, poor sanitation, and lack of healthcare access as ongoing threats to maternal and child health.
Delays in reaching medical facilities and shortages of specialists further increase risks, particularly in rural and remote areas, doctors said. They called for stronger health systems, improved infrastructure, trained healthcare staff, and sustained awareness campaigns.
