Peripartum Safety: Time to Act

Abstract

Peripartum safety refers to the safe care of women throughout the antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal periods.Approximately 15% of all childbearing women are likely to develop life-threatening complications. Indiaand Nigeria accounted for one-third of global maternal deaths at the country level. Recognizing the need,the United States has initiated a Maternal safety Bundle. On a par with, The Government of India introducedvarious programs to reduce maternal deaths. Though the country made most of its progress, MMR stateperformances are varied in their extremes and failed to achieve the targeted goal. High maternal mortalityis associated with medical, socio-economic, and health care system problems are evidenced. The shortfallof skilled health care providers in India hampers progress towards achieving universal health coverage. Thecurrent situation calls for more sensitization and sustainable efforts for integration and institutionalizationof health system monitoring to achieve the target of Sustainable Developmental Goals. Studies need togerminate to tackle the health care insufficiencies of pregnant women and enhance the quality of care.