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With comprehensive, compassionate care—rooted in science and tailored to every phase of motherhood—we can empower mothers and protect the health of future generations.
Experts agree that from the very first trimester, a mother’s physical and mental condition plays a pivotal role in shaping the child’s immunity, brain function, and susceptibility to chronic diseases later in life
The health of a mother during pregnancy is far more than a matter of individual well-being—it’s the starting point for a child’s lifelong health and development. Experts agree that from the very first trimester, a mother’s physical and mental condition plays a pivotal role in shaping the child’s immunity, brain function, and susceptibility to chronic diseases later in life. With prenatal care evolving rapidly, the spotlight is firmly on building strong maternal health systems that support women throughout the entire journey—from preconception to postpartum recovery.
According to Dr. Priya Gupta, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur, “A mother’s health during pregnancy serves as a foundation for a child’s health and well-being as they develop. From food and nutrition to mental health, each aspect contributes to the initial layers of a child’s immunity, cognitive function, and long-term health outcomes.” Dr. Gupta stresses that complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension, as well as nutritional deficiencies, can hinder fetal development and lead to chronic health issues in the child later in life.
She emphasizes the importance of prenatal testing and personalized maternal care in creating “a new beginning for a more healthy pregnancy, labor, and infant life experience.” In her view, proactive health planning and an increased awareness of the latest in maternal science are vital for nurturing a healthier next generation.
Complementing this perspective, Dr. Mini Salunkhe, Director – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, Hadapsar, Pune, underlines the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to maternal healthcare—one that considers both physical and psychological aspects. “Severe complications such as fetal growth restriction and preterm births are often linked to a mother suffering from obesity, diabetes, or hypertension. These require close supervision and consistent management to ensure better outcomes for both the mother and fetus,” she explains.
Dr. Salunkhe also places strong emphasis on maternal mental health, highlighting how stress during pregnancy has been linked to adverse neurocognitive and behavioral effects in children. “There is overwhelming evidence indicating an unborn child is susceptible to the long-term adverse effects of maternal stress,” she adds.
Importantly, the care doesn’t stop at childbirth. Postpartum health often remains overlooked, despite its crucial role in the well-being of both the mother and the newborn. Persistent issues like back pain, depression, urinary incontinence, and anxiety can significantly hamper a woman’s quality of life and her ability to care for her baby. Dr. Salunkhe advocates for integrated care systems that cover the entire perinatal continuum, offering not only medical treatment but also nutritional guidance, mental health care, and social support.
Both experts agree that improving maternal and fetal health requires systemic change. “A path to a healthier generation lies in greater awareness and understanding of maternal health, science, and medicine,” says Dr. Gupta. Dr. Salunkhe echoes the sentiment, stating, “This goes beyond women’s health by taking into consideration mental and psycho-social factors alongside physical health, and designing the support to last throughout the motherhood journey.”
In short, ensuring a healthy start in life begins long before birth. With comprehensive, compassionate care—rooted in science and tailored to every phase of motherhood—we can empower mothers and protect the health of future generations.
