Importance of Maternal Health Awareness: Why It Matters
“When a mother is cared for, a whole generation is nurtured.”
Earlier, the joint family setting made it easy to share the load during pregnancy.
But now, in metro cities where most of you live in nuclear families, it gets tough. You’re working all day, juggling office deadlines, house chores, and somewhere in between, trying to find time for yourself.
Today, taking care of your health with good food and proper nutrition often takes a back seat. And when you’re carrying a little life inside you, the responsibility doubles. Your body needs extra care, and your mind needs constant awareness.
This is why understanding maternal health awareness becomes so crucial. Because it’s not just about you anymore, but also about the little heartbeat growing within you.
Read this blog to know:
- What maternal health awareness means
- Why it’s so important for you and your baby
What Maternal Health Awareness Means
Maternal health awareness simply means to ensure you and your family members understand how crucial a mother’s health is during pregnancy, delivery, and even after the birth of the baby.
This awareness helps understand:
- Mothers need proper care, regular checkups.
- They need support before and after delivery.
- Eating healthy food and emotional support are essential.
- Safe birth practices and medical attention can make a big difference
- Pregnancy and childbirth can bring risks; however, many problems can be averted if women get the right care promptly.
Also Read: How to Prepare for a Smooth and Natural Birth: Doctor-Backed Tips
What are the Best Practices for Maternal Health Awareness?
Below maternal health awareness practices will help you and your family care for both you and the little life growing inside you, in a better manner.
Start With Good Health Even Before Pregnancy
- Action to take: Eat healthy food, stay physically active, and avoid smoking or alcohol. Additionally, keep lifestyle chronic conditions like diabetes or high BP under control.
- Why does this matter? Because a healthy body increases the chances of a smooth pregnancy. This will ensure a low risk of complications for both mom and baby.
Ensure Regular Checkups and Prenatal Care
- Action to take: Do not miss any of your scheduled checkups and prenatal appointments.
- How does this matter? Early checkups can catch health issues, including high blood pressure and high sugar levels, before they turn into something more complicated.
Pay Heed to Physical and Emotional Changes
- Action to take: Be aware of your physical changes, such as fever, severe headaches, or unusual pain. Most important: “Do not forget about your mental health.”
- Why does this matter? Serious health issues, including postpartum depression and pregnancy complications, can be managed early if you speak up.
Build a Support System (Family, Friends, & Your Partner)
- Action to take: If possible, get your family and partner involved to come to the doctor’s visit and help with the meal.
- Why does this matter? Support means you’re not alone. This will ensure you can get emotional encouragement, making the whole experience less stressful and more about happiness.
Also Read: Laparoscopic Or Open Surgery: Which Is Better For Women’s Health? 8 Strong Reasons To Choose Keyhole Surgery
Are there any Maternal Health Education Programs?
Yes. Different countries have various maternal health programs, such as:
- India: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
- USA: National Child & Maternal Health Education Program (NCMHEP)
Conclusion
Maternal health is truly a team effort. You need your family and partner to stand by you through every stage of pregnancy. The first step is making yourself and your loved ones aware through maternal health programs. This helps you enjoy your pregnancy journey with fewer risks, so when the little version of you arrives, you feel less stressed and more joyful.
