Archive · 27 May 2025
Focus on Preconception Health to Combat Anaemia in India
Many women in India have a problem called anaemia before they even get pregnant.
This means they don't have enough iron in their blood.
When a woman is pregnant and has anaemia, it can cause problems for her and her baby, like the baby not growing well.
Doctors suggest checking women for anaemia before they get pregnant and treating it with medicine that goes directly into their blood.
They also say that people should learn more about taking care of themselves before they are pregnant.
The main point is that healthy moms help make healthy babies, so it's super important for women to be healthy before pregnancy!
Many Indian women enter pregnancy with undiagnosed anaemia, leading to complications.
Preconception health, including anaemia screening and management, is crucial for maternal and child health.
Oral iron supplements have limitations; IV Ferric Carboxymaltose (IV FCM) is a more effective alternative.
Vitamin B12 and thyroid deficiencies also contribute to anaemia and impact pregnancy outcomes.
Community involvement, including families and healthcare workers, is essential to promote preconception health.
- Who
- Women of reproductive age in India
- What
- Managing anaemia and other deficiencies before pregnancy through screening, supplementation, and community involvement
- When
- Before and during pregnancy
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent maternal and infant complications and improve overall health
Proposed approach
Current approach
Anaemia management
Proposed approach
Emphasize preconception health, including screening for anaemia, B12 deficiency, and thyroid disorders, with a shift to IV FCM.
Current approach
Focus primarily on interventions during pregnancy, primarily oral supplements for anaemia
- Maternal Mortality Ratio in India
- 93 per 1,00,000 live births
- Women with anaemia
- Over 57% of women in their reproductive age in India
- IV FCM benefits
- Delivers iron directly into the bloodstream, rapidly restoring haemoglobin levels
- Vitamin B12 deficiency in women of reproductive age
- Nearly 49%
- Focus
- Preconception health and well-being of the child