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Maternal Anemia Threatens Indian Babies' Brains
11 Apr
Summary
- Over 52% of pregnant women in India suffer from anemia.
- Maternal anemia impairs fetal brain development and cognitive skills.
- India has reduced maternal mortality but anemia remains a concern.
National Safe Motherhood Day on April 11 brings attention to maternal health challenges in India. A significant concern is maternal anemia, with over 52% of pregnant women affected, primarily due to iron deficiency. This condition directly impacts fetal brain development, potentially leading to cognitive and behavioral issues in children.
While India has successfully reduced its maternal mortality ratio from 130 in 2014-16 to 97 per 100,000 live births in 2018-20, the prevalence of anemia remains high. Experts emphasize that maternal anemia's effects on a child's cognitive abilities, including learning and behavior, are profound and can even increase the risk of developmental disorders like Autism and ADHD.
Addressing maternal anemia is largely preventable through early antenatal care, screening, and supplementation. Government initiatives like the 'anaemia Mukt Bharat Programme' aim to combat this, yet challenges with compliance and side effects persist. Correcting anemia is vital for safeguarding the neurodevelopmental potential of India's future generations.
