Authors :
Md. Jarif Mahbub
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/9s4jkeyr
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8181213
Abstract :
Antenatal care (ANC) has long been
considered a very crucial component of the successive
care of a pregnant mother during gestation. It reduces the
risk of both maternal and neonatal complications and
gives assurance to a healthy beginning for the infant. The
ANC situation of Bangladesh is quite poor comparing
that of the developed nations. The scenario has been
further worsened due to the outbreak of the COVID-19
pandemic.There is a lot of research evidence about the relationship
between an increased rate of maternal and child
mortality and a reduced number of ANC contacts.
Besides, the quality of ANC is not up to the mark in
Bangladesh. Since the status of a country’s future
generation comprehensively depends on the obstetric
population, no compromise should be allowed regarding
ANC even in this COVID-19 pandemic. The obstetric
population must need special and distinctive
considerations in such a pandemic situation because of
their diacritic physiological and psychological needs. An
efficient and collaborative strategic approach must be
taken by obstetric care providing facilities and the
government to mitigate the adverse effects of decreased
ANC contacts. Such a strategic approach may include
enhancing health communication, strengthening the
community-based ANC, increasing the collaboration
between primary healthcare services and ANC services,
provision of telemedicine, mobilizing social resources, etc.
COVID-19 has shown the shaky structure of the
healthcare system of Bangladesh once again. So, a
potential reformation in the healthcare system is highly
needed.
Keywords :
Antenatal Care, COVID-19, Healthcare System, Maternal Health, Child Mortality.
Antenatal care (ANC) has long been
considered a very crucial component of the successive
care of a pregnant mother during gestation. It reduces the
risk of both maternal and neonatal complications and
gives assurance to a healthy beginning for the infant. The
ANC situation of Bangladesh is quite poor comparing
that of the developed nations. The scenario has been
further worsened due to the outbreak of the COVID-19
pandemic.There is a lot of research evidence about the relationship
between an increased rate of maternal and child
mortality and a reduced number of ANC contacts.
Besides, the quality of ANC is not up to the mark in
Bangladesh. Since the status of a country’s future
generation comprehensively depends on the obstetric
population, no compromise should be allowed regarding
ANC even in this COVID-19 pandemic. The obstetric
population must need special and distinctive
considerations in such a pandemic situation because of
their diacritic physiological and psychological needs. An
efficient and collaborative strategic approach must be
taken by obstetric care providing facilities and the
government to mitigate the adverse effects of decreased
ANC contacts. Such a strategic approach may include
enhancing health communication, strengthening the
community-based ANC, increasing the collaboration
between primary healthcare services and ANC services,
provision of telemedicine, mobilizing social resources, etc.
COVID-19 has shown the shaky structure of the
healthcare system of Bangladesh once again. So, a
potential reformation in the healthcare system is highly
needed.
Keywords :
Antenatal Care, COVID-19, Healthcare System, Maternal Health, Child Mortality.
