Publication:

Nutritional status of pregnant women reporting at Rural Health Training Centre

Background United Nations had passed MDGs followed by SDGs, half of which are based on women’s health. Despite best efforts, malnutrition remains a major problem that affects our country. This is a significant risk factor for maternal and foetal mortality. This study was conducted to identify current status of maternal wellbeing in villages under an RHTC to get baseline for further interventional studies in the villages.

Methods A descriptive study was done on the rural pregnant patients attending RHTC of LNMC and JKH situated at outskirts of Bhopal was done. All pregnant women attending RHTC from January 2016 to June 2017 were studied for nutrition indicators. Their weight and height were recorded and haemoglobin was measured by Sahli’s Haemoglobinometer and the data was compared. WMA Declaration of Helsinki was followed during this study.

Results Two hundred participants in this study were between age ranges 17 to 35 years with gravidity level of the participants ranging 1 to 5. Their Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging 14 to 30. One fourth participants were having BMI of 18.5 or less and four fifth had anaemia.

Conclusions Majority of pregnant women reporting for prenatal checkup at RHTC are malnourished and anaemic. It is recommended to study government scheme at micro level if it is serving as cash incentive for frequent and multiple pregnancy to potentially catapult the desired effect to worsen the situation of maternal health on one side and population control on the other. Health education for the rural public is recommended.