The Beautiful Life

Concerned over the ‘epidemic’ of caesarean sections globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised that the procedure should only be performed when medically necessary as surgical intervention can have harmful effects on the mother and child. The number of caesarean sections births has increased notably in several metros in India. FPJ spoke to medical professionals to find out the scenario. Dr Shreekant Chorghade, eminent Paediatrician who has authored several books on neo-natal and child care, said, “The number of caesarean section might have increased. But since the investigative facilities have increased danger to the life of foetus can be detected and, caesarean section can be advised if the life of the foetus is in danger. As medical professionals Obstetricians and Paediatricians always strive to ensure that the mother and the baby are safe and it is a safe delivery. Waiting too long for a normal delivery in several cases can endanger the life of the foetus. If the ...

 Half of the pregnant women and 74% of children under five in India are anaemic, a malnutrition mapping project developed by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) with support from Amway released recently stated. The report also highlighted the fact that 62 percent of children show insufficient vitamin A status and under nutrition is the leading risk factor for death in children under five. The report stated that as half of the country’s pregnant women are anaemic it enhances the risk of maternal mortality as well as chances of delivering babies with low birth weight. FPJ spoke with medical experts to understand the implications anaemia has on the health of children and adults. Despite the measures taken to control anaemia in pregnancy in the last decades, the severity of nutritional anaemia continues to remain a public health issue of great magnitude. Poor nutritional status of pregnant women results in poor nutritional status of their children, including defi...