India halved its maternal mortality in 10 years: what worked and the gaps that remain

Myth 1: Once a woman delivers in a hospital she is safe. Fact: Almost two-thirds of maternal deaths in India happen in the 42 days after delivery, not during labour. Postpartum haemorrhage, sepsis and pregnancy-induced hypertension all peak in the first week home. This is why JSSK covers 42 days of postnatal care and why ASHA follow-up visits matter so much.

Myth 2: Caesarean is automatically safer than vaginal delivery. Fact: When medically indicated, C-section saves lives. But India's private hospital C-section rate has crossed 47 percent, far above the WHO recommended 10 to 15 percent. Unnecessary surgery raises infection risk, future placenta complications and out-of-pocket costs. The right rate depends on the case, not the calendar of the obstetrician.

Myth 3: Heavy bleeding after delivery is normal and will settle. Fact: Soaking more than two pads an hour, dizziness, breathlessness or a sudden change in pulse after delivery are emergencies. Knowing the warning signs, having an ASHA visit and a contact number for the nearest delivery facility can be the difference between a survivor and a statistic in the next ten days.