For a woman, life's momentum shifts when she becomes a mother. A woman experiences the strongest emotion after becoming a mother. It is the greatest gift, and a never-ending job, but being one is not easy. A mother sacrifices and is completely devoted to the growth and development of the child and family. A mother's health is critical for the entire family's well-being which should never be overlooked and compromised. 

Playing the crucial role of a mother isn't easy, as motherhood can be a double-edged sword. The everyday societal pressure to fulfil responsibilities and the juggle between professional and personal life is challenging and can further worsen physical and mental health.

PERFECT MOTHER - A CONSTANT STRUGGLE

The already prevalent ideologies of a good mother lead to tremendous pressures. Research has shown that due to the existing social norms, mothers feel burdened to meet society's high standards of motherhood. 

Whether working or stay-at-home, mothers have a set of challenges to deal with, and the pressure to be perfect takes a toll on their health. 

But do you know what threatens the very existence of a mother? If not, then it's time to dig deeper into the subject.

MATERNAL MORTALITY RATIO: WHAT IS IT AND WHERE DOES INDIA STAND?

Maternal health remains a significant public health concern in India. The maternal mortality ratio is a human rights issue and threatens mothers.

Maternal mortality ratio is the deaths due to pregnancy-related causes such as childbirth or pregnancy termination. 

What's more tragic is that most of the high numbers of maternal deaths occur in areas lacking quality healthcare. Thus, the widening gap between rich and poor equally reflects upon the maternal mortality ratio.

The MATERNAL MORTALITY RATIO (MMR) in low-income countries in 2017 was 462 per 1,00,000 live births as against 11 per 1,00,000 live births in high-income countries. 

Between 2016 and 2018, Assam had the highest maternal mortality ratio at 215 deaths per 1,00,000 women, while Kerala's mortality ratio stood lowest with 43 fatalities during pregnancy.

These tragic numbers are enough to open our eyes towards mothers' grim situation that needs urgent attention. But the challenges are far from over.

The physical challenges that a mother goes through during and after pregnancy are enormous. But what exactly are they? 

COMPLICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

A lot of women face complications during pregnancy and childbirth, some resulting in death. An estimated 1.3 million Indian women have succumbed due to maternal health conditions in the last two decades, from 1997 till 2020. 

However, most of the complications that develop during pregnancy can be prevented and are treatable.

Let's shed some light on the major complications that contribute to nearly 75% of all maternal deaths:

• Severe bleeding, mainly after childbirth
• Infections that usually occur after childbirth
• A sudden spike in high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, these are pregnancy-related high blood pressure disorders)
• Complications due to delivery
• Unsafe abortion

Some mothers are not cared for during or post-pregnancy. Their deteriorating health is often overlooked, sometimes even by them. But it is vital for a woman and her family to work on her good health. 

TIPS FOR MOTHERS TO STAY HEALTHY

A mother is a creator. Yes, there are many challenges associated, but the good thing is, with several steps by authorities, the maternal mortality burden in India has seen a sharp decline by about 70%, from 398/1,00,000 live births in 1997-1998 to 99/1,00,000 in 2020.

As a society it is important for us to keep maternal health in check and reduce MMR. Here are a few tips:

• Prioritizing maternal health
• Proper care during labor and delivery
• Providing a clean and safe place for the delivery 
• Improving and offering quality healthcare at the rural level
• Educating young girls on health and sex
• Ensuring women with the right to safe motherhood
  

Here are a few tips for mothers that might help:

• Manage stress
• Take time off from responsibilities
• Communicate with your partner
• Reach out to an expert
• Rest and sleep well
• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
• Routine exercises to stay healthy
  

Inculcate and practice these healthy tips, and observe some great outcomes.

Maatri - Advocating Tirelessly For Mother’s Health

Maatri is India’s Preventive Healthcare App, striving to work towards the well-being of Indian mothers. As the name suggests, mothers are the core of our work. We aim to provide the best healthcare services to mothers. Our panel of doctors include expert Gynecologists, Psychologists, Counsellors, Child Specialists and many more. Mother’s can get in touch with these doctors with a single tap and consult them in their motherhood journey. 

Not only this, we at Maatri provide vaccinations for crucial health ailments like Cervical Cancer to keep mothers fit and healthy. A mother is a family binder; hence her health is our priority. 

Download the Maatri app today, and prioritize your health and well-being.