| Introduction: Brief contextual introduction Body: Highlight the importance of perinatal care and how lack of such care contributes to neurological deficits. Conclusion: Way forward |
Perinatal care, encompassing prenatal (before birth) and postnatal (after birth) care, is a critical lifeline for both mothers and newborns.
Importance of Perinatal Care
- Reduced pregnancy complications: Regular checkups allow for early detection and management of conditions like pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, minimizing risks for the mother.
- Improved mental health: Prenatal care often includes mental health screenings and support, addressing issues like anxiety or depression that can worsen during pregnancy.
- Safer delivery: Proper prenatal care allows healthcare providers to anticipate potential delivery complications and plan accordingly, leading to a safer birthing experience.
- Reduced neonatal mortality: Early detection and management of prenatal issues can significantly reduce the risk of stillbirth and neonatal death.
- Prevention of birth defects: Prenatal vitamins and screenings can help prevent some birth defects.
- Improved neurological outcomes: Adequate prenatal care optimizes the fetal environment, reducing the risk of complications that can lead to neonatal neurological deficits.
Inadequate Care and Neurological Deficits
- Oxygen deprivation: Conditions like pre-eclampsia or obstructed labor can deprive the baby of oxygen, leading to Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a major cause of cerebral palsy and other neurological issues.
- Infections: Untreated infections during pregnancy can pass to the fetus, impacting brain development.
- Premature birth: Lack of prenatal care can increase the risk of premature birth, which is a significant risk factor for neurological problems (e.g., cognitive delays, learning disabilities).
- Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate prenatal nutrition can hinder fetal brain development.
Conclusion
Pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication, is a preventable threat. The IRIA’s “Samrakshan” program aims to raise awareness and improve access to care, aiming to significantly reduce pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction rates in India by 2030. This ambitious goal requires community involvement and strong leadership.
