National Safe Motherhood Day

Mohd Ishaq Shah ✉

National Safe Motherhood Day, observed annually on April 11 in India, holds significance in honouring the sacrifices made by mothers during their journey through motherhood. This day coincides with the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, the esteemed wife of Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent figure in India's freedom struggle and a notable social reformer. 

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The primary objective behind the commemoration of National Safe Motherhood Day is to advocate for improved medical care for expectant mothers and to work towards reducing the maternal mortality ratio attributed to complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth.

Motherhood encompasses the profound journey of conception, nurturing, and childbirth, embodying the essence of care and responsibility towards a child. As a woman transitions from being single to married, from individual to part of a social unit, and from personal to marital roles, the metamorphosis into motherhood begins. This transformation is marked by physiological changes, typically noticeable a month or two after marriage, as the body adapts to the prospect of pregnancy. Symptoms such as dizziness and nausea may manifest until conception occurs, initiating the growth of the fetus. Subsequently, visible changes like the appearance of dark patches on the mother's face, akin to strokes of a brown paintbrush, become apparent, signifying the physical manifestations of this transformative phase.

National Safe Motherhood Day serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions and challenges faced by mothers, underscoring the need for comprehensive healthcare support to ensure the well-being of both mothers and their unborn children. By raising awareness and advocating for enhanced medical services, this observance strives to create a safer and healthier environment for expectant mothers, thereby fostering a culture of maternal care and well-being in society.

Motherhood is a multi-faceted journey that involves various stages, requiring the utmost care and support for expectant mothers. The importance of assistance from family members, both male and female, cannot be overstated during this critical period. Expectant mothers necessitate proper medical care, exercise, entertainment, and counselling to ensure their well-being and that of their unborn child.

Pregnancy often triggers hormonal fluctuations, leading to mood swings and, in some cases, depression. Male partners must be sensitive to their wives' emotional needs, avoiding any undue pressure or force during sexual intimacy. Pregnant women should be shielded from heavy workloads and overwhelming responsibilities, as these factors can negatively impact their health and potentially result in complications such as premature births or miscarriages.

The significance of safe motherhood cannot be overemphasized, as it serves as a foundation for the healthy development of future generations. Regrettably, the World Health Organization reports that approximately 295,000 women succumb to pregnancy-related complications annually, with 99% of these deaths occurring in developing countries. In India, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) stands at 122 per 100,000 live births, highlighting the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare.

Safe Motherhood Day was instituted to raise awareness about the importance of maternal health and to promote the utilization of secure and effective childbirth methods. By focusing on the challenges faced by women during pregnancy and childbirth, this observance aims to foster a culture of maternal care and advocate for enhanced healthcare services. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce maternal mortality rates and ensure the well-being of both mothers and their children, thereby paving the way for a safer and healthier future generation.

The theme of Safe Motherhood Day varies annually, focusing on diverse aspects of maternal healthcare. For instance, the theme for 2020 was 'Maternal health for a better tomorrow: Equitable access to quality care for all'. This theme emphasized the significance of ensuring equitable access to high-quality maternal healthcare services for all women, irrespective of their social, economic, or geographical circumstances.

On this day, various events and activities are organized nationwide to raise awareness about maternal health. These events encompass health camps, awareness rallies, and seminars, among others. The day also serves as an opportunity to highlight the government's maternal health programs and policies, such as the National Health Mission, the Janani Suraksha Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.

The National Health Mission, launched in 2013, aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to all citizens, including pregnant women. The Janani Suraksha Yojana, introduced in 2005, is a cash incentive scheme that encourages institutional deliveries among pregnant women. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, initiated in 2016, offers free antenatal check-ups to pregnant women, providing them with health cards and access to free antenatal care, including ultrasound scans, blood tests, and counselling services.

These government initiatives have significantly contributed to improving maternal health in India. However, there is still a long way to go. NGOs and international organizations also play a vital role in enhancing maternal health in India. These organizations focus on providing health education, training, and support to pregnant women and work towards improving the quality of maternal healthcare services in the country.

In conclusion, National Safe Motherhood Day is a significant occasion to raise awareness about maternal health and advocate for safe motherhood practices. It provides an opportunity to highlight the challenges women face during pregnancy and childbirth and to promote the use of safe and effective childbirth methods. Ensuring that all women, irrespective of their social, economic, or geographical backgrounds, have access to quality maternal healthcare services is crucial. We must continue to work towards improving maternal health in India and reducing the maternal mortality ratio to zero. 

Above all, let us cherish our mothers as divine gifts to us, as they bring us into the world, nourish us, and raise us with their love and dedication, as our prophet (peace be upon him) has said, "Heaven lies beneath the feet of a mother." It highlights the high regard and reverence for mothers in Islam, emphasizing their significant role and influence in one's life. This saying underscores the importance of respecting, honouring, and caring for mothers, reflecting the cultural and religious values placed on motherhood within the Islamic faith.