Latest news with #NFHS-5
Hans India
3 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
Pregnancy Anemia linked to Congenital Heart Defects in New Born
Bengaluru: Anemia is a major global health concern, particularly affecting women of childbearing age, with prevalence rates between 20–40%, translating to over 500 million individuals worldwide. It is especially significant during pregnancy, where it can lead to complications for both mother and baby. The primary cause is iron deficiency, responsible for over half of the cases. In India, the situation is particularly alarming, with the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) reporting that approximately 52.5% of pregnant women are affected by anemia. Addressing this issue involves improving nutritional intake, promoting iron supplementation, and implementing public health strategies to reduce the burden of anemia globally and within specific populations like India. Increased Requirement of Iron during pregnancy: During pregnancy, there is an increased need for iron to support the developing fetus and to accommodate the mother's expanding blood volume. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Adequate iron intake ensures sufficient hemoglobin levels, which are critical for oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. As pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters, the demands for iron and vitamins become even higher. If these increased nutritional needs are not met, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This condition occurs when iron intake falls short of the body's requirements, resulting in fewer red blood cells and decreased oxygen transport. Managing iron intake through diet and supplementation is vital during pregnancy to prevent anemia and support the health of both mother and baby. Challenges of anaemia during pregnancy During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood volume—more than the increase in blood cells—leading to a condition known as hemodilution. This process helps ensure adequate blood flow to the developing fetus but can sometimes be mistaken for anemia. However, anemia in pregnancy is diagnosed when hemoglobin levels fall below 10.5 g/dL. Anemia poses several risks for both mother and fetus. For the mother, low hemoglobin levels can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty performing daily activities. In severe cases, it may lead to breathlessness and cardiac issues. For the fetus, maternal anemia can result in restricted growth (growth restriction or IUGR), low birth weight, and may affect placental development. Poor placental function is linked to complications like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Managing anemia effectively during pregnancy is crucial to reduce these risks and ensure better outcomes for both mother and child. New Evidence: Link to Congenital Heart Defects A recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology highlights an even more concerning association. Researchers analyzed health records of women in the UK who became pregnant between January 1998 and October 2020, and found that anemia during pregnancy was linked to a 40–47% higher risk of the child being born with congenital heart defects. This finding suggests that maternal anemia may interfere with early fetal cardiovascular development, adding another dimension to the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. Maternal Complications of Anemia Anemia affects a pregnant woman's health and resilience, particularly during labor and postpartum recovery. Key complications include: ● Fatigue and reduced physical capacity ● Increased susceptibility to infections, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs) ● Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): Low hemoglobin levels reduce the body's ability to tolerate blood loss, increasing the risk of severe bleeding during or after delivery ● Need for blood transfusion: To restore hemoglobin levels in cases of significant blood loss ● Abnormal blood clotting: Severe anemia and blood loss can trigger Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), a life-threatening condition where the blood's clotting ability becomes dysregulated What Are Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)? Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. These defects can affect the heart's walls, valves, or major blood vessels, disrupting normal blood flow through the heart and to the rest of the body. CHDs range in severity: ● Mild cases may go unnoticed at birth and resolve on their own or require minimal treatment. ● Severe defects can be life-threatening and often require early surgical intervention or ongoing cardiac care. CHDs: A Major Public Health Concern ● CHDs are among the leading causes of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to data published in Indian Pediatrics, approximately 180,000–200,000 children are born with congenital heart disease each year in India alone. Unfortunately, a significant number of these cases remain undiagnosed or untreated, especially in rural and low-resource settings. Risk Factors for Anemia During Pregnancy Several pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related factors can increase a woman's risk of developing anemia during pregnancy. Identifying these early allows for timely intervention and better outcomes for both mother and baby. Key Contributing Factors: 1. Hyperemesis Gravidarum o Severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy o Leads to poor nutritional intake and dehydration, contributing to iron and folate deficiencies 2. Pre-existing Anemia ● Women with iron-deficiency anemia before conception are more likely to experience worsened anemia during pregnancy ● Often linked to poor dietary intake or chronic malnutrition 3, Congenital Hemoglobinopathies ● Conditions like thalassemia or sickle cell disease can cause chronic anemia, which may be exacerbated by pregnancy 4. Multiple Pregnancies ● Carrying twins or higher-order multiples increases demand for nutrients, especially iron and folic acid, heightening anemia risk 5. Short Interpregnancy Intervals ● A reduced gap between pregnancies can prevent the body from replenishing iron and nutrient stores, increasing susceptibility to anemia 6. Gynecological Conditions o Women with heavy menstrual bleeding due to conditions like fibroids or endometriosis may begin pregnancy with already low iron stores The Importance of Iron in Fetal Heart Development Iron plays a crucial role in the early development of the fetal heart. During embryogenesis, the heart is the first functional organ to begin forming—starting as early as the 7th week of gestation. On early ultrasound scans, this is often visualized as a faint pulsation, marking the onset of cardiac activity. However, the process of heart development begins even earlier and involves a highly coordinated sequence of events: Key Stages of Fetal Heart Formation: 1. Formation of Primitive Blood Vessels 2. Cardiac Looping – where the heart tube folds into its basic shape 3. Septation – the formation of walls (septa) separating the heart chambers 4. Chamber Differentiation – development of the four-chambered structure seen after birth These stages are highly sensitive to oxygen levels and nutrient availability, especially iron, which is vital for: ● Hemoglobin production (oxygen transport) ● Cell division and differentiation ● Mitochondrial energy metabolism needed for organ development Impact of Maternal Anemia on Fetal Cardiac Development When a pregnant woman is anemic, her blood carries less oxygen to the placenta and fetus. This hypoxic environment can interfere with the delicate processes involved in early heart formation, increasing the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) such as: ● Septal defects (holes in the heart walls) ● Outflow tract anomalies (malformations of the major vessels) These defects can have lifelong implications for the child's health and may require surgical correction or long-term cardiac care. The Role of Nutrition in Maternal and Fetal Development Maternal nutrition is one of the most critical factors influencing the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Around the time of organogenesis—when vital organs like the heart, brain, spine, and kidneys begin forming—the need for adequate nutritional reserves becomes especially urgent. Nutritional Needs During Organogenesis Organogenesis typically occurs during the first trimester, a period during which many women may not yet realize they are pregnant. Key nutrients required during this time include: ● Iron – Essential for oxygen transport and cellular energy production ● Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) – Prevents neural tube defects and supports red blood cell production ● Vitamin B12 – Works with folic acid in red blood cell formation and neurological development ● Inadequate levels of these nutrients, particularly iron, can reduce the mother's oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to fetal hypoxia (low oxygen delivery to tissues). This increases the risk of developmental abnormalities, especially congenital heart defects. Causes of Anemia Beyond Diet ● While poor dietary intake is a common cause of anemia, there are several non-dietary causes that must also be addressed: ● Hemoglobinopathies such as: o Thalassemia o Sickle Cell Anemia ● These are inherited blood disorders where the structure or production of hemoglobin is abnormal, leading to chronic anemia. Women with known or suspected hemoglobin disorders should be referred to a hematologist early in pregnancy (or ideally, before conception) to ensure appropriate monitoring and management. The Fetal Dependence on Maternal Stores The developing fetus is entirely dependent on the mother's nutritional status, especially for: ● Iron – for building fetal blood supply and heart tissue ● Folic Acid – for neural development ● Vitamin B12 – for brain and nerve development If the mother's nutrient levels are low, the fetus may be at risk for: ● Low birth weight ● Preterm birth ● Congenital anomalies ● Long-term developmental delays Preventing Anemia in Pregnancy: The Power of Nutrition and Prenatal Care A nutritious, well-balanced diet during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to prevent anemia and support both maternal and fetal health. Nutritional needs increase during this time, and iron becomes essential for building extra red blood cells to carry oxygen to the baby. Iron-Rich Foods to Include in Your Diet To reduce the risk of anemia, ensure your meals include iron-rich foods, such as: ● Green leafy vegetables (spinach, fenugreek,) ● Legumes and beans ● Fruits (especially dried fruits like dates, raisins, apricots) ● Meat and liver (excellent sources of heme iron) ● Fortified cereals and whole grains ● Milk (though not rich in iron, it's a valuable part of a balanced diet) Don't Forget Vitamin C ● Vitamin C is crucial for enhancing iron absorption from plant-based foods. Include: ● Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) ● Tomatoes ● Bell peppers ● Berries and guavas Prenatal Vitamins Are Essential In addition to food, prenatal vitamins prescribed by your healthcare provider supply important nutrients like: ● Iron ● Folic acid ● Vitamin B12 These supplements help build up maternal stores and support the baby's development, especially when dietary intake is not enough. Antenatal Check-Ups: Early Detection Saves Lives Regular antenatal (prenatal) check-ups are critical. Your doctor can: ● Monitor your hemoglobin levels ● Identify signs and symptoms of anemia early ● Order tests if needed (e.g., iron studies, screening for thalassemia or sickle cell disease) ● Recommend appropriate dietary adjustments, iron supplements, or specialist referral Conclusion Anemia during pregnancy should not be seen as a minor nutritional issue. It is a systemic condition with far-reaching consequences and preventing anemia is a shared responsibility—of the mother, the healthcare provider, and the health system. A proactive approach that combines nutritional care, supplementation, and regular medical check-ups ensures better outcomes for both mother and baby. (Dr. Sunitha Mahesh, Medical Director and Senior Consultant - Infertility and Maternal Fetal Medicine, Milann- The Fertility and Birthing Hospital, Bengaluru)
India.com
3 days ago
- Health
- India.com
India Tops World Population Charts; Guess Which Metro Birth Rates Are Booming?
New Delhi: India has become the most populous country in the world, officially overtaking China. While the national population continues to witness a rapid grow, the country represents a contrasting trend. Birth rates are declining in several states and metro cities. If the overall population is increasing, where are the most children being born today? Chennai holds the top position in childbirth in the list of India's major metropolitan cities. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21, the city's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stands at 1.65 – which is highest among metro cities. It means each woman here gives birth to an average of 1.65 children. Following closely are Delhi with a TFR of 1.57, Hyderabad at 1.54, Mumbai at 1.44 and Kolkata at 1.40. These numbers highlight a trend, which is urban lifestyles, rising education levels and employment opportunities are contributing to lower fertility rates in India's largest cities. Still, Chennai remains an outlier with the highest urban fertility rate. Interestingly, Gujarat's Ahmedabad is also witnessing a mini baby boom. The city recorded over 100,000 births in fiscal year 2022–23 – a milestone not reached since 2019. It is the first significant spike in births since the COVID-19 pandemic. It points to a rebound in family planning and healthcare access. There is a twist here. Several South Indian states are now actively promoting childbirth. Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin recently made headlines for suggesting that 'the time has come to have 16 children' – a statement (many view it as bold and symbolic) that reflects demographic concerns. Andhra Pradesh too has seen calls to boost fertility rates in the wake of fears that if the TFR dips below 2.0, population decline could soon follow. The NFHS is a crucial nationwide initiative by the Government of India. Conducted across all states and union territories, it gathers data on health, nutrition, education, gender equality and population trends by directly interviewing households. Policymakers use these insights to formulate targeted and effective public policies. While India takes the global crown for population, these numbers suggest that the country is faced with the dual challenge of managing growth in addition to addressing urban fertility slowdowns. Will Chennai continue to lead the baby boom among metros? Or will policy shifts spark new trends across states? Only time and the next survey will offer answers to the questions.
News18
6 days ago
- Health
- News18
Which Indian Metro City Has The Highest Birth Rate?
Last Updated: According to the National Family Health Survey (2019–21), Chennai has the highest fertility rate among India's metro cities, with a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.65 India has officially surpassed China to become the most populous country in the world. While the population continues to grow rapidly, a contrasting trend is emerging in several states, especially in metro cities, fertility rates, or the average number of children born to a woman, are gradually declining. This raises a key question: in which metro city are the most children being born in India? Chennai Leads Among Metro Cities Among India's metro cities, Chennai records the highest fertility rate. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21, Chennai has a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.65. This means that, on average, a woman in Chennai gives birth to 1.65 children, making it the metro city with the highest fertility rate. Delhi follows with a fertility rate of 1.57, followed by Hyderabad (1.54), Mumbai (1.44), and Kolkata (1.40). These figures reflect how urban lifestyle, education, and employment have contributed to declining birth rates in big cities. However, Chennai still leads the chart. Surge In Births Recorded In Ahmedabad Recent reports show that more than one lakh (100,000) children were born in Ahmedabad during 2022-23. This is the highest number since 2019 and the first major spike in births following the Covid-19 pandemic. Southern States Calling For More Births In parts of South India, state governments are now promoting awareness about having more children. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin recently highlighted the growing concern over declining fertility rates. A similar appeal has been made in Andhra Pradesh, as demographers warn that if the average fertility rate drops below 2.0, it could lead to a population decline in the future. Why The NFHS Survey Matters The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale initiative by the Government of India that collects vital data on health, nutrition, education, gender equality, and population trends. Survey teams interact directly with households across states and union territories. The insights from NFHS play a crucial role in shaping public health and population policies. First Published: May 29, 2025, 08:22 IST
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Menstrual equity is key to gender equality
Since 2014, May 28 has been observed globally as Menstrual Hygiene Day, drawing attention to the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. The occasion is marked by awareness campaigns and pad distribution drives. But for millions of menstruating people across India, this day passes like any other — shrouded in silence, discomfort, and exclusion. While public conversations on menstruation have increased, they are only one piece of a much larger puzzle. India has around 355 million menstruating women and girls. According to the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 77% of young women aged 15 to 24 use hygienic methods such as sanitary napkins or menstrual cups. However, this figure drops to 64% in rural areas and remains significantly lower among the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and poorest households. These numbers mask a deeper crisis of access, dignity, and education. Period poverty is not just about lack of products — it reflects the social structures that determine who gets to negotiate menstruation safely and who does not. In 2018, only 18% of schools in India had basic sanitation facilities that included covered bins and functional incinerators for menstrual waste. The numbers were better in girls-only secondary schools, but most co-educational and primary schools lacked these essential services. As a result, many girls miss school during their periods, and some drop out entirely. This is not a private inconvenience — it is a public failure that affects education, health, and future opportunities for economic participation, perpetuating gender inequality. Stigma, injustice Cultural stigma only deepens the injustice. Many girls are never told about menstruation before their first period, often making it a traumatic experience. They are taught to keep quiet, to stay out of kitchens and temples, and to feel ashamed of their bodies. The idea that menstruation is impure echoes the caste-based notion of pollution. In both, the body is seen as contaminating and is controlled through exclusion. Dalit women have long been treated as impure; menstruating girls are similarly isolated. This link between purity and exclusion is not coincidental — it is a powerful tool of oppression. There is also a striking hypocrisy in how we view menstruation and reproduction. We revere motherhood, yet we shame menstruation —the very process that makes motherhood possible. Girls are expected to feel pride in becoming women, but also to hide the signs of that transition. We speak of 'nari shakti' while creating conditions causing young women to miss school for something as biological as a period. This contradiction speaks to a deeper discomfort with female autonomy and the cycles of their bodies. Despite increasing attention, most policy responses remain limited to product distribution. Free pads handed out by NGOs or government schemes are valuable, but they risk framing menstruating girls and women as passive recipients of charity rather than rights-holding citizens. These are temporary fixes, not systemic solutions. In districts such as Nawada and Darbhanga in Bihar, adolescent-led groups of girls called 'Kishori Samooh', supported by the Population Foundation of India, have created over 50 sanitary pad banks, ensuring girls never have to miss school or suffer indignity because they cannot afford menstrual products. We must move from relief to responsibility—from one-time drives to sustained investment in menstrual health infrastructure and education. Layers of exclusion Menstrual justice demands that we centre the needs of the most marginalised. Dalit, Adivasi, and Muslim girls, those with disabilities, and those living in urban slums or rural hamlets often face multiple layers of exclusion. In these communities, menstruation becomes a source of crisis and shame. Schools lack separate toilets, homes lack privacy, and health workers are rarely trained to provide support. If we fail to address these realities, we deepen inequality. Menstrual health must be integrated into national education, health, and gender equality programmes. This means ensuring functional toilets, access to water, disposal systems, and menstrual education in every school and public institution. It also means recognising that not all menstruating people are women. Trans and non-binary individuals are routinely left out of this conversation and face even greater stigma and exclusion. We must also confront how market forces have shaped this landscape. Menstruation has been commodified — pads are advertised with euphemisms and shame, and sold at prices many cannot afford. The private sector must be regulated to ensure affordability, quality, and dignity, rather than treating menstruation only as a profit-making opportunity. It's time to act To normalise menstruation by 2030, as this year's Menstrual Hygiene Day theme urges, we need to do more than talk — we must act. Conversations about menstruation should start at home and in classrooms, with mothers, teachers, and boys included. Frontline health workers and community leaders must be trained not just to distribute pads, but to break stigma. And data must guide action — using tools such as the NFHS and school sanitation audits to measure progress and hold systems accountable. Data sources such as the NFHS and school sanitation audits must be used to measure progress and guide action. Menstruation is not a curse. It is the neglect, stigma, and silence that surround menstruation that are cursed. We must stop treating menstruating people as burdens, and start treating menstrual equity as a public mandate. Because a just society does not punish its daughters for bleeding. It builds a world where they can thrive. (Poonam Muttreja is the Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India; views are personal)
Mint
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Prorata launches fractional ownership of Land Rover Defender in Delhi-NCR at ₹12 lakh per ticket
The most recent data on car ownership from NFHS-5 (2019–2021) reported that approximately 7.5% of Indian households owned a car. This equates to about 1 in every 12 households. The state with the highest car ownership was Goa, where 45.2% of households owned a car. Other states with notable car ownership percentages included Kerala (24.2%), Jammu & Kashmir (23.7%), Himachal Pradesh (22.1%), and Punjab (21.9%). These figures highlight that around 2 crore households in India already own a basic car andaspire to upgrade their lifestyle with a bigger and better car for leisure and lifestyle purposes. Today, affordability in terms of both money and time is a major barrier to owning premium high cost of purchase, combined with maintenance hassles and poor-quality rentalexperiences, makes access difficult for many. At the same time, people have growingaspirations and seek variety, comfort, and lifestyle-driven choices in their car experienceswithout being tied down by long-term financial commitments. Fractional ownership of luxury and premium cars In response to these problems, new models of ownership are emerging. A recent example is the acquisition of a ₹ 1.4 crore Land Rover Defender through a shared ownership model facilitated by Prorata, a Bengaluru-based fractional car ownership start-up. In this instance, the luxury SUV was co-owned by nine individuals at INR 12 lakhs per ticket, including stock brokers, chartered accountants, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, working professionals and car enthusiasts. Founded by Sanjeev Kumar Jain, Prorata enables groups of individuals to co-own premium vehicles through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure. Each car is divided into 12 equal shares, or 'tickets,' with each ticket representing an 8.33% share. Co-owners get 30 days of ownership per year for five years, with access and scheduling managed through the Prorata mobile app. After the five-year tenure, the vehicle is resold via an in-app bidding process, and resale proceeds are distributed among the co-owners on Prorata basis. According to Jain, the platform caters to several user segments: professionals who travel to their hometowns occasionally, NRIs visiting India seasonally, and car enthusiasts who wants to experience a variety ofvehicles. The Prorata app uses a smart matchmaking system that groups co-owners based on their preferred car variant and color within a 20 km radius. Interested users can reserve a ticket by paying a booking amount of just ₹ 2,500, selecting their city and car within the app. The app—which took two years to build—features a well-designed reservation system: each co-owner gets two active reservations at a time, including 10 weekends and holidays, 20 weekdays, and five cancellations per year. This system prevents booking conflicts and encourages mindful usage. Co-owners do not need to coordinate directly with each other, thanks to the seamless app experience. Asset-light model and maintenance Prorata operates on an asset-light model. The cars are owned by the co-owners, not the company. Instead, Prorata functions as an asset management service, charging an annual maintenance fee that covers: ● Periodic service and maintenance ● Doorstep pick-up and drop-off Cars available for fractional ownership Prorata app offers a wide variety of cars to suit every lifestyle and passion. In the off-roading segment, they feature powerful options like the Mahindra Thar Roxx, Jeep Wrangler, and Landrover Defender. For family and capacity-focused needs, they offer the Mahindra XUV700 and Toyota Innova Hycross, along with the iconic Toyota Fortuner. If you're into sporty drives, they have high-performance models like the Porsche, Range Rover, and Mini Cooper. And for those who love the thrill of convertibles, they provide stunning options like the Mercedes Cabriolet and MG Cyberster.
