The prevalence of high-risk pregnancies among Indian women stands at 49.4%, with 33% experiencing a single
high-risk factor and 16.4% facing multiple high-risk factors. Particularly concerning are the statistics from Meghalaya and Manipur states, where 67.8% and 66.7% of pregnant women, respectively, exhibit one or more high-risk factors.
What is the base of study?
The study utilized nationally representative cross-sectional household survey data from the National Family
Health Survey-5 (2019-2021). Researchers analyzed unit-level data sourced from the Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) program for their investigation.
Data was collected from approximately 28,400 currently pregnant women aged 15-49 years. Among these, 23,853 pregnant women who were surveyed at the time were considered for analysis. Among the surveyed population, 12,183 (50.6%) pregnant women exhibited no high-risk factors, while 11,670 (49.4%) were identified as having one or more high-risk factors, categorizing them as high-risk pregnancies.
High risk pregnancies: Matter of concern
The prevalence of high-risk factors in approximately half of all pregnancies in India, particularly among vulnerable populations such as those with lower education and socioeconomic status, is alarming. Key high-risk factors
including short birth spacing, adverse birth outcomes, and an elevated rate of caesarean deliveries necessitate urgent attention and integration into health policies and programs.
This data underscores the critical need to address maternal care urgently. The alarming prevalence of high-risk factors in pregnancies calls for heightened awareness and immediate action to tackle this pressing issue.
