Maternal health has been an issue in India for a long time. It is estimated that around 800 women die every day due to pregnancy-related issues around the world, and 20% of them are from India. But there has been great progress as well. The Maternal Mortality Ratio dropped from 167 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 to 130 in 2015, according to information provided by the WHO. This means 12,000 fewer maternal deaths!
One of the reasons behind this phenomenal improvement is the much-improved medical facilities in our country. Today, there are some excellent options available in large cities, such as Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore having the best maternity hospitals. But this can also leave one confused. So, here are some of the things to consider when choosing a maternity hospital.
Hospital’s Reputation
Some of the things you can check to learn about a hospital’s reputation are:
- Perform an internet search of medical sites and forums that that provide rankings of different hospitals.
- Check reviews of other patients.
- Visit the hospital’s website and know about the facilities available and the doctors affiliated to it.
Team of Doctors
The first thing you must look for is that the doctors and medical personnel at the hospital are well trained and have all the needed certifications. Just because the hospital is reputable may not always be enough. You can use the internet to do a background check on the following things:
- The certification of the doctors.
- How many years they have been practicing for.
- If they have any research article published. This helps in proving them as one of the leading experts in the field.
Birthing Techniques and Technologies Available
When picking a maternity hospital, it is vital to check that the hospital has all the necessary equipment and facilities. Some of the major facilities to check are:
1. NICU
Before being admitted, check if the hospital has a neonatal intensive care unit, in case of emergencies. The hospital should also have well-trained nurses and doctors to handle such critical situations.
2. Breastfeeding Support
Make sure that the facility has a lactation centre and experts, in case it is needed. You can also ask if the hospital provides breastfeeding classes.
3. Birthing Options
Ensure that the hospital can provide natural birthing as well as assisted birthing options.
4. Epidural and Anesthesia Facilities
These facilities are vital in case of a C-Section delivery.
Proximity to Home
It is always better to choose a hospital that is close to your home. You would need to visit the hospital several times during pregnancy and even after the delivery. In such situations, travel can be difficult. Plus, in case of an emergency, you do not want to be stuck in traffic. This is one of the best practices when looking for a maternity hospital in crowded cities like Bangalore.
Apart from these, also look for hospitals that have a transparent attitude and fit your budget.
