Urgent Need To Improve Maternal And Newborn Health

New Delhi/Bhopal : World Health Day draws our attention to one of the most pressing issues in global healthcare today – the urgent need to improve maternal and newborn health and champion the nurturing of the mind-body connection through practices like yoga.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling on governments, healthcare providers, and communities to strengthen efforts in reducing preventable deaths among mothers and infants. With far too many women losing their lives during childbirth and an alarming number of newborns not surviving beyond their first month, the need for change is critical.

According to the recent report titled “Trends in maternal mortality” released by UN and WHO shows a 40 per cent global decline in maternal mortality ratio (MMR, number of maternal deaths per 100 000 live births) between 2000 and 2023.
It showed that since 2016, the pace of improvement slowed down significantly, and that an estimated 260,000 women died in 2023 due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth.
More than 90 per cent of all maternal deaths occurred in low and lower-middle-income countries in 2023, said the report.
Further, the report has also highlighted the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on maternal survival.
In 2021, an estimated 40,000 more women died due to pregnancy or childbirth — increasing to 322,000 from 282,000 in 2020.
Besides the direct complications caused by Covid infection, the deaths were also due to widespread interruptions to maternity services.

Focus on the long-term health and well-being of women :
The call is clear , healthcare systems must adapt to not only address immediate complications of childbirth but also manage interconnected challenges such as malnutrition, mental health disorders, and the growing impact of non- communicable diseases.

While medical advancements continue to play a pivotal role, traditional practices like yoga are gaining attention for their holistic support during and after pregnancy.

Holistic Approach To Maternal Wellness:

Prenatal and postnatal yoga offers an array of benefits rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. Yoga promotes a sense of balance, calm, and connection — elements during the journey of motherhood.
Before childbirth, practising gentle yoga helps expectant mothers prepare both mentally and physically. Breathing techniques enhance oxygen flow to the baby and aid in stress management. Asanas (poses) strengthen the pelvic floor, improve posture, and reduce common pregnancy- related discomforts such as backache and swelling. Meditation and mindfulness nurture emotional resilience, offering mothers a sense of inner stability amidst rapid changes. Yoga enhances flexibility, strengthens pelvic muscles, and improves posture — all of which are beneficial as the body undergoes rapid changes. Simple asanas like Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose), Cat-Cow stretches, and Pranayama (breathwork) help maintain calm and balance.

After delivery, postnatal yoga becomes a gentle path toward recovery. It supports the healing process, helps rebuild core strength, and improves posture compromised by childbirth and breastfeeding. It addresses postnatal depression by encouraging relaxation and emotional well-being through mindful movement and breath work. What makes yoga particularly valuable is its adaptability. Sessions can be tailored to individual needs, whether a mother is recovering from a C-section.

Tips for Safe Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga :

Always practice under a certified yoga instructor with experience in maternal yoga.
Avoid deep twists, strong inversions, and strenuous exercises.
Listen to your body – comfort and safety come first.
Combine yoga with balanced nutrition and hydration.

*Dr. Narresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state Health organizations.    He’s  the Principle Investigator – Association of Studies In Behavioural Science),                 Dr. Purohit is also Advisor-National Mental Health Program .