Archive for the ‘World Population Day 2012’ Category

Pregnancy, a fantastic phase of womanhood, can be a tad worrisome due to fears and concerns over possible miscarriage. Statistics are not exactly comforting either, which says 1 in every 5 pregnancies ends up in miscarriage. Although miscarriages cannot be prevented, avoiding the known risks can increase chances of a safe and healthy pregnancy. The moment pregnancy is confirmed, a woman begins to get the ‘fragile’-treatment loaded with myths & restrictions, especially when it comes to the connection of certain foods with miscarriage.

For a country with as myriad a food culture as India, it is hardly surprising to have faulty but deep-ingrained myths surrounding what-to-eat & what-not-to-eat during pregnancy. Some of you must have heard nannies & ‘experienced’ moms telling the to-be-moms to stay away from fruits like pineapples, mangoes, papayas etc. Apparently these fruits can lead to miscarriage. No scientific reason, but still a widely perceived myth!

Why are the advisors eager to put plenty of distance between a pregnant woman & sesame seeds? This too is due to fear of miscarriage. They say Sesame seeds with its increased ‘heat’ can harm a baby. What they forget or rather underestimate is the power of woman’s uterus.

Pregnant ladies are often advised to take iron tablets, but they are reluctant to do so. Here’s the hilarious reason for that. Iron tablets will make baby dark! Ladies, genes and the amount of melanin decide your baby’s skin color, not the food you eat. Please don’t be anemic due to a myth.

Most untimely pregnancy losses & abortions occur as a result of genetics reasons and cannot be avoided mostly. But miscarrying once does not always mean that something is wrong with your health or that you cannot have any more kids. Nevertheless, periodic baby losses may be a sign of problems that require your immediate attention & medical help.

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“Talking about population doesn’t mean control. It’s not about dictating how many children someone should have. It is about being knowledgeable about the decisions we’re making so we can make healthy decisions for a better future.” Says, Katie Elmore at Population Media Center

Every year on July 11, the United Nations World Population Day aims to raise awareness about population related issues since 1989.

The theme for 2012 is “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services”. The UNFPA vision aims for a world where every pregnancy is wanted, and every child’s potential is fulfilled. The ultimate aim of universal access to reproductive health by 2015 seems far away but we are progressing. Reproductive health related problems are the leading cause of illness and death for women of childbearing age worldwide.

Have a look at the UN estimates. They are staggering!

The figures are depressing. However it brings to fore how unsuccessful we have been in providing the very basic healthcare options globally. All the trumpets of development elucidated time and again with data and figures will ring hollow unless the basic is ensured for everyone. But even before that, people must know about their bodies, about the choices available to them and only a healthy mother today will ensure a healthy generation tomorrow.

Planned education including education on sexual and reproductive health would go a long way in empowering people to make the right choices about issues like marriage, family planning etc. A simple fact is that if women bear children before the age of say 20 or 21 then chances of a healthy offspring decreases dramatically. Knowledge itself does not heal, it empowers decision making.

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