Page 187 - Health, Population and Environment Education 10

3. If the female suffers from HIV/AIDS or chronic diseases
Being pregnant while suffering from HIV/AIDS and other STIs might be dangerous for
both mother and child. There is chance of transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STIs from
mother to child. Similarly, when a female suffers from chronic diseases like cancer, heart
disease, kidney problems, diabetes, etc. pregnancy may be critical. There is improper
growth of foetus in such condition.

4. If the woman has already given birth to many babies
After the delivery of a baby, the health of mother becomes weak. It takes some time to
resettle the reproductive organs. If she wishes to bear more than one child, she should
strictly follow at least 2 years of birth spacing. When she continuously bears children,
there is high chance of infection in reproductive parts, excessive bleeding and various
other health consequences on mother. Hence, females should be encouraged not to bear
more than 2 children.

5. If the woman is having medicines
If the woman is under medication for particular health problems for long period of time,
the pregnancy can become critical. The use of medicine can cause defirmity or improper
growth of foetus and there is high chance of birth of abnormal baby. Hence, females under
medication are not suggested to become pregnant.

Activity: 1
Pay a visit to your locality and meet any ten women and collect data to prepare a report
on the basis of following points.
1. Age at marriage

2. Name of the health institution visited during pregnancy and the frequency.
3. Age of the mother while giving birth to first child
4. Total number of children produced so far

5. Conclusion
6. Suggestions

Problems During Pregnancy
The health problems that occur during pregnancy are called problems during pregnancy
and the period between the conception and delivery is called pregnancy. The average
period of pregnancy lasts for 280 days. During this period, many health problems occur in
a pregnant woman. Among these problems, many problems may be minor and some may
be major and life threatening. These problems can involve mother’s health, the baby’s
health or both. Some women have health problems before they become pregnant. Other
problems arise during pregnancy.

The problems during pregnancy can be discussed under two heading.

GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 187