High-risk pregnancy factors such as obesity and diabetes are increasingly complicating maternal health outcomes in India. During the ‘Art of Birthing Conclave’ in Lucknow, experts highlighted a sharp rise in medical interventions. Consequently, the focus is shifting toward ensuring safe outcomes for mothers and newborns alike.
Amit Kumar Ghosh, additional chief secretary of medical health, addressed over 500 delegates at the event. He noted that high-risk conditions like anaemia, hypertension, and diabetes primarily drive the increasing rates of caesarean deliveries. Therefore, healthcare providers must prioritize timely intervention and improved antenatal care to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The conclave brought together professors, doctors, and midwives to share global best practices and strengthen institutional deliveries.
Addressing Primary High-risk pregnancy factors
The conclave, supported by UNICEF and UNFPA India, featured scientific sessions on facility readiness and natural birthing. Dr. Bhaskar Pal, FOGSI president, stated that the organization prioritizes safe and dignified deliveries. Furthermore, hands-on training sessions focused on managing postpartum haemorrhage and newborn resuscitation. Improving practical proficiency among frontline healthcare workers remains a top priority. Consequently, these efforts aim to strengthen the skills of nursing officers and midwives across the country through specialized maternity and women’s health training.
Moreover, clinical data shows that nearly half of all pregnancies in India now carry at least one high-risk factor. Specifically, urban lifestyle changes and delayed motherhood contribute to this trend. Thus, institutional deliveries and robust labor management are essential for modern maternity care. Healthcare facilities must remain prepared for emergencies to ensure the safety of both mother and child through timely medical care, often requiring expertise gained through electronic fetal monitoring and advanced obstetric protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the main drivers of high-risk pregnancies according to the conclave?
The main drivers include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and anaemia. These conditions often necessitate more intensive monitoring and medical intervention during delivery.
Q2: Why is there a rising focus on training frontline healthcare workers?
Strengthening the skills of midwives and nursing officers ensures better management of emergencies like postpartum haemorrhage. This practical proficiency is vital for reducing maternal mortality.
Q3: Does the conclave discourage caesarean deliveries?
The conclave focuses on safe outcomes for both mother and child rather than debating the mode of delivery. It emphasizes that C-sections are often necessary due to high-risk conditions.
References
- ‘Obesity, diabetes behind rising high-risk pregnancies’ – ETHealthworld
- ‘High-risk pregnancy in India: Prevalence and contributing risk factors – a national survey-based analysis’ – NIH/PMC
- ‘The C-Section Surge in India: Uncovering the Impact of Profit on Childbirth’ – Observer Research Foundation
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