Natal Period Research Articles

A Study On The Screening Of Congenital Heart Disease Using Pulse Oximetry In Asymptomatic Newborns Delivered In Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Congenital Heart Disease is the most common congenital abnormality in newborns and has been recognized as one of the leading causes of death in the first year of life. The global incidence of CHD is estimated at 8 per 1000 live births. Using pulse oximetry critical and many of the asymptomatic CHD can be identified in the immediate post natal period. This strategy will help in early identification and its intervention. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of pulse oximetry as a screening tool for detection of CHD in asymptomatic newborn. Methods: It was a Hospital based Cross sectional study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in collaboration with the Department of Paediatrics, of a tertiary hospital in North Eastern State from May 2022 to April 2024. Results: The mean birth weights of the neonates were2.93±0.29 Kg and the mean gestational age was 37.74±1.56 weeks. 4% of all neonates screened with pulse oximetry showed positive result. Among them 4 (2%) neonate were diagnosed with CHD. Out of the 4 neonates diagnosed with CHD, 3 were diagnosed with VSD and 1 with PDA. Conclusion: Eight (8) i.e 4% of the neonates were screened with positive pulse oximetry and out of which four (4) were diagnosed with CHD. Proportion of neonates who were screened positive in pulse oximetry with positive echocardiographic findings were significantly higher than those who screened negative (p value <0.001). Therefore, the pulse oximetry screening for detection of CHD among asymptomatic neonates in our study showed a moderate sensitivity (75%), high specificity (97.4%) and negative predictive value (99.47%) and a reasonably low positive predictive value (37.5%), respectively

Acute respiratory distress following an otherwise normal, uneventful, screening colonoscopy

A 62-year-old man with a past history of sleep apnea syndrome, umbilical and left inguinal hernia repairs, was referred to the emergency room for acute respiratory distress. He had underwent a screening colonoscopy 12 h earlier for a family history of colonic adenoma. This colonoscopy was complete, normal, and uneventful.A plain chest X-ray showed a distended colon extending to the upper third of the right side of the chest (Fig. 1). Further anamnesis helped the patient to remember a right diaphragmatic hernia, well-documented by CT-scan years ago. He had not previously mentioned this condition, when evaluated for colon screening.The patient was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. A CT-scan confirmed a right diaphragmatic hernia with terminal ileum and ascending colon content, no sign of mesenteric ischemia, and massive pulmonary collapse. Conservative treatment with nasogastric suction quickly improved the patient's condition. He was discharged at day-6. Diaphragmatic hernia repair was scheduled 10 weeks later. Laparoscopy showed a complete agenesis of the right diaphragmatic dome (Fig. 2; Fig. 3), and was therefore converted into laparotomy for complete surgical repair. Postoperative course was unremarkable. Patient was discharged on day-6. Follow-up at 1 month was uneventful.Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are rare and usually diagnosed in the pre- natal period or in neonates with respiratory distress, calling for emergency neonatal repair [1,2]. In underdiagnosed or neglecting adults, the condition can be life-threatening, as seen in our patient [3,4]. Surgical repair is therefore strongly recommended, even in asymptomatic patients [5]. Recurrences are exceptional.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in puerperal women

Introduction Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is an rare event, even more so among patient from puerperal period. The incidence risk is of 0.11%. It is often occurs when a patient is prescribed on antipsychotic for long duration of time. Case Report We report a case of a female patient, two weeks in post natal period presented with altered behaviour at home. She has prior admission being treated for post partum psychosis with anti psychotic. However antipschotic was withheld as she developed extrapyramidal symptoms while in ward. At home, she developed fever, altered sensorium and fitting-like-episode. On arrival patient was unresponsive and with features of impaired airway patency. Her had unstable vital sign with elevated blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. Brain imagine came back normal, excluding brain pathology. She was diagnosed as neuroleptic malignant syndrome as fulfilled features of elevated creatine kinase. She was treated symptomatic by providing first aid to reduce temperature and started on benzodiazepines. She was subsequently admitted to intensive ward and responded well to treatment Conclusion Physician must be familiar and have high index of suspicious to identify and treat neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Without prompt treatment, it is highly fatal.

An ongoing problem: Rhesus hemolytic disease of the newborn - A decade of experience in a single centre

BackgroundThe objectives were to evaluate the descriptive features of newborns with a diagnosis of Rhesus (Rh) hemolytic disease, to determine the morbidity and mortality rates, to evaluate the treatment methods and the factors affecting treatment requirements and clinical outcomes during a ten-year period at a tertiary center. MethodsNewborn infants who had a positive direct Coombs test and/or had a history of intrauterine transfusion (IUT) due to Rh hemolytic disease were included. The data regarding the prenatal, natal and postnatal periods were collected from hospital records. ResultsA total of 260 neonates were included of which 51.2% were female. The mean ± standard deviation gestational age was 36.9 ± 2.7 weeks. The rate of preterm birth was 41.2%. Of 257 mothers whose obstetric medical history could be accessed, 87.2% were multigravida, whereas 76.3% were multiparous. Among mothers who had a reliable history of anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis (n=191), 51.3% had not received anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis in their previous pregnancies. The antenatal transfusion rate was 31.7% and the frequency of hydrops fetalis was 8.8%. While combined exchange transfusion (ET) and phototherapy (PT) was performed in 15.4% of the babies, the majority either needed phototherapy only (51.1%) or no treatment (33.5%). The mortality rate was 3.8 % (n = 10), and nine babies out of these 10 were those with severe hydrops fetalis. ConclusionThis study showed that Rh hemolytic disease is still a major problem in developing countries. Multiple comorbidities may occur in addition to life threatening complications, including hydrops fetalis, anemia and severe hyperbilirubinemia. High rates of multiparity and low rates of anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis are potential barriers for the eradication of the disease. It should be remembered that Rh hemolytic disease is a preventable disease in the presence of appropriate antenatal follow-up and care facilities.

PREVALENCE OF LOWER LIMB EDEMA IN NATAL AND POST-NATAL PERIOD

Introduction: Pregnancy is a very special period for women, they experience emotional, physical, and physiological deviations. The majority of females encounter peripheral edema during their gestation time. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of edema in the natal and post-natal period, risk factors, and their association with edema.
 Methods: An observational study was conducted at Cantonment Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from August 2018 to January 2019. Out of 405 females, 18-35 years of age and 3rd trimester of gestation or post-natal period and women with previous venous diseases or high-risk gestations were included. Whereas women with edema in other body parts and those after puerperium were excluded. The data was collected by self-structured questionnaire, edema grading scale, and limb measurement. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23.
 Results: The frequency of leg edema was 65.9% and higher in the third trimester, especially during the eighth and nine months of pregnancy. It could lead to several other symptoms like pain and cramps that could be intensified by long-standing and comforted through rest whereas a few other factors that affect edema contain less water intake and lack of exercise. There is a significant association between edema and its related risk factors including months of pregnancy, exercises during pregnancy, and activity level (p < 0.001).
 Conclusion(s): Lower limb edema is prevalent in late pregnancy, especially during the 8th - 9th month. There is a significant association between edema and its related risk factors including months of pregnancy, exercises during pregnancy, and activity level.
 Keywords: Edema, lower limb, pregnancy, prevalence.

Prolapsed Fibroid in Pregnancy

Uterine fibroids are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Majority of the fibroids are usually asymptomatic during pregnancy, however they may lead to complications in all three trimesters of pregnancy and even in the post natal period, causing a management dilemma. Vaginal prolapse of uterine fibroids is a rare phenomenon during pregnancy, delivery or puerperium. While most of the fibroids are managed conservatively, a few require surgical intervention Despite of multiple publications in the medical literature on the gynecological aspects of fibroids, scanty data is available on management during pregnancy and labor, posing a therapeutic dilemma. We present a case of a G4P3, presenting at 30weeks gestation with large degenerated prolapsed uterine fibroid which was successfully managed by vaginal myomectomy concurrently with cesarean section.

Improving the quality of life for premature infants through the continuity of care approach: A literature review

<p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong><em> The agenda for strengthening the global health architecture is to improve quality of life for premature infants. Premature births increase the morbidity and mortality of newborns, necessitating innovation in primary health care. </em></p><p><strong><em>Objectives:</em></strong><em> This study was conducted to examine innovation programs with a continuity of care approach in primary health care for premature infants in an effort to strengthen the global health architecture. </em></p><p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong><em> A literature review method was used to analyze articles obtained using databases such as Science Direct and Google Scholar. The researcher used the key words “continuity of care” and “premature infants”. The inclusion criteria were full-text journal articles published from January 2020-December 2022 in English-language journals. </em></p><p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong><em> This study obtained ten articles that correspond to the continuity of care approach for premature infants. The articles included four qualitative studies, three quantitative studies, one mixed-method study, one literature review, and one systematic review. There are three themes related to the continuity of care for premature infants, including (1) Primary healthcare with information continuity, relationships continuity, and management continuity; (2) Continuity of care in the antenatal, natal, and postnatal periods; (3) The continuity of care on premature infant approach improves the outcome of premature infant care, the ability of parents, and health service quality. </em></p><p><strong><em>Conclusions:</em></strong><em> A continuity of care approach can increase the achievement of adequacy, equity, efficiency, and effectiveness in primary health care for premature infants. Joint synergy between the community, health services, and health policymakers is essential in efforts to strengthen the quality of life for premature infants.</em></p>

Major Factors Influencing the Utilization of Maternal Health Services in Nepal

Background: According to the World Health Organization, maternal health services (MHS) include antenatal care, perinatal care, and postnatal care. MHS have been underutilized in Nepal and are contributing to an increased morbidity and mortality in the region leading to various adverse outcomes for both mothers and their newborns. Many of these adverse outcomes can be avoided with increased use of antenatal, perinatal, and postnatal checkups. Methods: Literature reviews of existing information about MHS in Nepal presents an opportunity to identify the source of underutilization and by understanding the source, plans can be proposed to improve MHS. Search for the data was achieved through Medline, Springerlink, and Nepal journals online; with additional articles found by branching off the references of those articles. Publications were limited to those written or translated into English, and those related to Nepal demography. Articles were excluded if the report was not referring specifically to Nepal. In this study, all three natal periods are addressed. Results: Cultural aspects, educational aspects and accessibility have been determined to be the leading causes of the underutilization of MHS. Conclusion: Using this new understanding, interventions focused on improving and providing education about these barriers should lead to reduced morbidity and mortality among mothers and their newborns in Nepal.

ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS INCREASING THE RISK OF PRELABOUR RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES AND ITS EFFECT ON FETOMATERNAL OUTCOME

Background: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to a patient who is beyond 37 weeks gestation and has presented with rupture of membranes (ROM) prior to the onset of labor. Patient with PROM presents with leakage of fluid, vaginal discharge and pelvic pressure, but they are not having contraction. It occurs in 3 percent of pregnancies and is the cause of approximately one third of preterm deliveries. It can lead to significant perinatal morbidity, including respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal sepsis, umbilical cord prolapse, placental abruption, and fetal death. Appropriate evaluation and management are important for improving neonatal outcomes. The risk of intrauterine infection increases with the duration of ROM. Evidence supports the idea that induction of labor, as opposed to expectant management, decreases the risk of chorioamnionitis without increasing the cesarean delivery rate. Methods: - This present observational study was conducted at Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department at Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore and who satisfy the inclusion criteria will be studied from 1st April 2021 to 30th September 2022 (18 months). After were Institutional ethical committee. among the patients diagnosed as premature rupture of membrane with women complain of leaking attending antenatal OPD and antenatal ward. On admission detailed history was taken. General and Systemic examination were done including Per Abdomen, Per Speculum and per vaginum carried out and investigations were done as per protocol. Diagnosis of PROM was confirmed by any of this method. Continuous monitoring of maternal and fetal condition done, antibiotics was given intra/ post natal period. P/ V exam were done when necessary. Investigations done and maternal and fetal outcome were noted. Results: The prevalence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) was found to be 4.1%, with a corresponding perinatal mortality rate of 0.18 per 1000 deliveries. Approximately 33% of the cases involved pre-term premature rupture of membranes (PROM), while the remaining 67% were term PROM. Among the cases with preterm PROM, 10% of the perinatal deaths occurred. The average age of the female participants was 36.9 years, with a standard deviation of 2.1 years. The median number of children per participant was 1, with a range of 1 to 5 children. A notable correlation was observed between the gestational age at which premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurred in women and the latency period (p< 0.001). There was a significant association between the gestational age at which premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurred and foetal birth weight, APGAR score, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission (p<0.05). A statistically significant distinction was observed between the implemented intervention and the method of delivery (p=0.009). Conclusion: The incidence of PROM at term was high and conservative/ expectant management was effective. The latency period and fetal outcomes such as birth weight, apgar score and NICU admission were determined by the gestational age at which PROM occurred.

Insecticidal and repellent effects of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil against Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

BackgroundChemical control is generally used against aphids. The harmful effects of the chemicals used in the control on the environment and human health have contributed to the development of alternative control methods. The main objective of this study was to determine chemical composition of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil obtained from spontaneous plants in Algeria, investigate repellent and con-tact toxicity effect on Aphis craccivora Koch control, and assess the impacts of essential oil on development, survival and reproduction of A. craccivora.ResultsThe essential oil showed a concentration dependent significant toxic and repellent effects. The highest effect was recorded for 8 μl/ml concentration of essential oil. The repellent effect and mortality rate in 8 μl/ml concentration were 84.37 and 80.66%, respectively. The values of LC50 and LC90 were 1.848 and 26.782 μl/ml, respectively. The effect of essential oil on immature period, adult longevity, natal period, survival, and fecundity was statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings in this study showed that the essential oil of M. longifolia harvested in the Tamanrasset region of Algeria has a toxic effect on A. craccivora, and can have a potential to be used as an insecticide to control A. craccivora. The use of environmentally friendly bioinsecticide will enable effective management of A. craccivora.Graphical

The Factors, the Impact and Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders Among Children

The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is about 1% around the world. Due to the paucity of available data, until now researchers failed to identify the cause of the disease, but have identified it was related to genetic or environmental factors. This paper summarized what people currently knew about ASD, including the factors which caused ASD, the impacts that ASD affected patients and their families, and the treatment for curing ASD. It was found that ASD could be affected by genetic and physical conditions of fetuses and parents in the natal period, and for the patients, the ASD symptoms possibly affected their health and social problems of them and their parents. Nowadays, the treatments usually were used just to reduce the symptoms and risk factors of ASD instead of curing completely, which included pharmacological and other pedagogical. These findings were significant in adding further in-depth understandings of ASD and further developing more fitting treatment methods for it.

Preventable Prenatal and Neonatal Risk Factors of Type 1 Diabetes in Childhood.

Childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease which is increasing in incidence, but little is known about the events that trigger the autoimmune process. Most of the time, these processes begin in prenatal and natal periods; therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prenatal and neonatal risk factors of T1DM in childhood. This case-control study has been performed on children with T1DM who referred to the 17th Shahrivar children's hospital. The control group consisted of healthy siblings of the case group. Data were gathered using a form that included maternal and neonatal characteristics. Data were reported by descriptive statistics in SPSS 19. To investigate the effect of quantitative and qualitative variables on the development of T1DM, logistic regression and Chi-square tests were used, respectively. Birth weight, birth height, and maternal weight gain during pregnancy had a significant relationship with T1DM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23, 2.57, and 1.14, respectively). In addition, there was a significant relationship between gestational hypertension (OR = 5.27), neonatal jaundice (OR = 3.42), cesarean section (OR = 2.06), and being non-first-born child (OR = 2.32) and T1DM. Also, premature rupture of membrane, maternal urinary tract infection, and nonexclusive breastfeeding had a significant association with T1DM (OR = 4.37, 3.94, and 2.30, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between maternal age, sex, neonatal respiratory disease, prematurity, and neonatal infections and T1DM (P > 0.05). Prenatal and neonatal risk factors can have a significant role in the occurrence of TIDM. Therefore, considering these risk factors can have a preventive effect on T1DM.

A Rare Cause of Paroxysmal Movement Disorder Associated with TBC1D24 Gene Mutation in Two Siblings.

A Rare Cause of Paroxysmal Movement Disorder Associated with TBC1D24 Gene Mutation in Two Siblings.

THE PRODUCTIVITY FORMATION AND FEATURES OF YOUNG RABBITS BLOOD PARAMETERS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A PHYTOBIOTIC

Biologically active feed additives of plant origin (phytobiotics) contribute to the correction of the digestion process, affect the immunity of rabbits, as a result of optimizing the protective functions of the body, and ensure the greatest manifestation of genetic potential by animals. In the context of the above, the implementation of programs for the qualitative improvement of domestic rabbit breeds according to the determinants that form the high biological and nutritional value of products depends on the level of influence of many genotypic and paratypic factors that change significantly over time. One of the most important factors is feeding conditions. It was established that the simultaneous use of a phytosupplement made of dioecious nettle by the kindle of the III group via organism mother's and orally from the 21st day after birth made it possible to increase their live weight in all periods of growth, and on the 90th day this difference reached 14,3 and 7.7 % against peers of the II and I groups. At the age of 120 days, according to the live weight index, they probably exceeded the animals of the II group by 196.5 g or 8,5 % (р&lt;0.001) and the I group – by 166.5 g or 7.1 % (р&lt;0.001). Feeding control is carried basing on the blood parameters, which, in combination with other parameters of the body, make it possible to detect imperceptible changes in organs and tissues, as well as to have an idea of the functional state of both individual organs and the general condition of the animal. Nevertheless, the obtained information provides controllability of the processes that affect the productivity of animals. As part of the research, it was found that the main hematological parameters of the blood of young rabbits of all groups were within the physiological norm during the experiment.On the other hand, at the beginning of the experiment, peripheral blood samples of group III young animals were characterized by a slightly higher content of erythrocytes by 3.6 and 8.0%, hemoglobin by 1.5 and 6.3%, and total protein concentration by 1.8 and 1.5% , albumins – by 1.9 and 3.4% and globulins – by 1.1 and 2.6 %. Feeding the young with a phytosupplement during the natal and post-embryonic period led to an increase in the level of almost all blood components in the blood, but their values did not exceed 9.0% (0.9–8.6%), with no probable difference between the groups, except for the content of erythrocytes, where the difference between animals of III and II groups was 10.5%, with a statistically significant difference between them at the level of p&lt;0.05. The results of the conducted research reveal new opportunities for realizing the genetic potential of the young rabbits productivity by including into their diet the phytosupplement of plant origin – dioecious nettle. Keywords: young, dioecious nettle, live weight, blood parameters, average daily increase.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO DETERMINE ASSOCIATION OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS WITH MATERNAL HEARING IN PRIMIGRAVIDA

Introduction: It is well established that diabetes mellitus impairs the hearing threshold levels. However, there is insufcient literature describing the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on hearing threshold levels and its reversibility. A prospective cross sectional study was conducted betw Method: een 2019 to 2021 in which 33 primigravida patients with gestational diabetes mellitus in the case group and 33 primigravida patients without gestational diabetes mellitus in third trimester were included in the control group, matched for gestational age and body mass index. A medical history was taken for each participant, and otological inspections and high-frequency audiometry tests were performed. There was statistically signicant difference between the hearing thresholds of the cas Results: e and control group especially above 8kHz with cases showing poor thresholds as compared to controls. However, the hearing improves in the postnatal period. Gestational diabetes mellitus causes signicant reversible hearing loss mai Conclusion: nly at high frequencies and more research should be done on large sample size with long follow up in post natal period to conrm the ndings.

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON NEWBORN CARE

Around 2.4 million infant fatalities occur in the rst few months of life worldwide as a result of inadequate newborn care. The results of the several programs launched by WHO to promote neonatal health are encouraging. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of standards and a reduction in obstacles such low socioeconomic position and illiteracy.1 By offering effective and high-quality treatment during the prenatal, intra natal, and postnatal periods, it is feasible to raise the ratio of stillbirth avoidance while also improving the survival and health of babies. observation of early disease warning signals and avoidance of having a sick newborn. In addition to discussing early and necessary newborn care, this article also covered a newborn's demands.

Main aerial top predator of the Andean Montane Forest copes with fragmentation, but may be paying a high cost

Large raptors are the most mobile top predators in fragmented landscapes and, consequently, they are key components of ecosystems. However, large raptors (e.g. eagles), requiring large areas of forested habitat, are also among the most threatened groups of raptors in the world and are directly and indirectly affected by habitat loss and fragmentation. The Black-and-chestnut Eagle ( Spizaetus isidori ) is a forest dependent species with a long period of natal dispersal. Here, we aim to assess home range size, mortality, and habitat selection of juvenile Black-and-chestnut Eagles during their natal dispersal in three populations within fragmented landscapes of the Tropical and Subtropical Andean Montane Forests of South America. During the first year of natal dispersal, juveniles occupied large home ranges (mean = 996.3 km 2 ; SD± 606; range = 294–2130 km 2 ). While juvenile eagles made their natal dispersal through fragmented landscapes, they consistently selected areas with higher remaining forest cover, medium elevations, and steeper slopes than the mean available in the landscape. Our study showed that juvenile eagles can tolerate a certain level of fragmentation during the natal dispersal period, although they also face high mortality during this same period. Four of the six (67 %) tagged juvenile eagles died during the study period. The high mobility of juvenile eagles may help maintain key ecosystem functions within fragmented landscapes of South America. In order to maintain viable populations of this top predator, it is urgent to mitigate non-natural mortality, mainly from direct human persecution, in fragmented landscapes. • Andean Montane Forests has lost around a half of its original vegetation cover. • Black-and-chestnut Eagle ( Spizaetus isidori ) is a highly mobile avian top predator. • Black-and-chestnut Eagle copes with fragmentation of the Andean Montane Forests. • Eagle mortality is very high and it is probably derived of habitat loss and fragmentation. • Understanding how top predators cope with fragmentation is needed for management.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Childbirth Experiences among Primipara Mothers in Selected Hospitals of Dabri, New Delhi

Introduction: Primigravida’s experiences of childbirth is influenced by the knowledge and expectations of child birth is based on the information, she got from the antenatal clinic, intra natal and post-natal periods, the nursing staff, her mother, friends and family. Objectives of the study were to assess the childbirth experiences among Primipara mothers. To find associate the childbirth experiences among Primipara mothers with the selected demographic variables, and to identify the association between childbirth experiences and selected maternal outcome. Method: A non-experimental descriptive design was used on sample size consisted of 100 primipara mothers who were admitted in postnatal department by purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected by administered childbirth experiences questionnaire, demographic questionnaire and maternal outcome Performa by using interview schedule and analyzed by using SPSS software.Result: Result show that the mean score for the childbirth experience was 42.62 with a standard deviation of 7.13 and median with 44. The statistical outcomes of association between childbirth experience and socio demographic variables of age [C=8.75, df=2], education [C = 10.23, df=4], occupation [C=7.35, df=3], income [C=8.34, df=3], distance from health care facility [C=9.61, df=3], financial planning for birth [C=5.82, df=1], health centre for delivery [C=6.14, df=1] were found to be statistically significant with childbirth experience at 5% level i.e. P&lt;0.05. The nature of family [C = 2.43, df=3], religion [C=6.93, df=3], variables were found to be statistically not significant at 5% level i.e., P&gt;0.05. There was no significant relationship between childbirth experience and maternal outcome.Conclusion: The researcher found that majority of the primipara mothers had positive experience during child birth and labour.

A study on feeding practice of under 6 months infants attending the Nutrition Clinic of a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal, India

&#x0D; Background: while breast feeding is a natural act, it is also a learned behavior. The right technique of feeding in the right position is the key to success of breastfeeding.&#x0D; Methods: to assess the feeding practice including positioning, attachment and suckling of under 6 months’ infants, a cross-sectional study was undertaken at R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, India, among 99 mothers in 2010.&#x0D; Results: 59.8% mothers completed feeding from one breast before going to the next breast. 77.3% mothers alternated their breasts during subsequent feeds. 41.2% babies were well attached, 47.4% babies were correctly positioned.&#x0D; Conclusions: there is a need to teach the mothers the techniques of correct positioning and attachment, especially, in the post natal period before discharge from the hospital after delivery. &#x0D;

STUDY ON WOMEN’S KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE IN PRE &amp; POST MATERNAL HEALTH CARE IN SOUTH 24 PRAGANAS DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Maternal health care is defined as comprehensive care to improve all round health of the mothers during Ante natal Period, Intra natal period and Post natal period. The study was conducted in purposively selected Diamond Harbour-1 block from where; eight Gram Panchayets and 17 Sub Centre’s selected from South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. Total 121 no. of respondents were selected as Study population in sub-center, comprised of all the reproductive age group of 18-45 years women. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS based statistical tools for conclusion. The study revealed that, maximum no’s of respondents had knowledge and practice on anti-natal, Intra-natal and post natal care as- TT injection, Nutritious feeding, Urine test for pregnancy, health checkup, breast feeding, provide nutritious food and family planning method, which is very much indicative for making accessible maternal and child health services in the state of West Bengal, India. Key Words: Knowledge, Practice, Women, Maternal, Health care, pre-natal, Post natal etc