New Delhi: Motherhood, once considered a natural phase of life, is today often marked by complexity, planning, and vulnerability. In India, nearly half of all pregnancies are now labelled high-risk—a stark reality that reflects not just changing biology, but also changing society.
On this Mother’s Day, Rashmi Mabiyan Kaur from ETHealthworld explores the changing landscape of motherhood with insights from Dr Arpana Haritwal, Principal Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital.
According to Dr. Haritwal, the most prominent driver of high-risk pregnancies is advanced maternal age. More women are choosing to have children later in life—often due to career aspirations, late marriages, or fertility delays.
While empowering in some ways, this shift brings heightened risks: diabetes, hypertension, preterm delivery, and even increased chances of miscarriage. Modern lifestyles—characterised by poor diets, sedentary routines, rising obesity, and stress—are compounding these medical challenges.
Another unsettling trend is the preference for caesarean sections based on convenience, social status, or even astrology. “The ‘too posh to push’ mindset is real,” Dr. Haritwal says candidly. “Fear of labour pain, hospital convenience, and beliefs in auspicious timing have increased non-medical C-section rates.”
But the consequences can be serious—longer recovery, future pregnancy complications, and increased health risks for both mother and child. From surgical site infections to delayed bonding between newborns and mothers, the ripple effects of a C-section done without medical necessity can be long-lasting.
“It’s critical for expecting parents to make informed decisions guided by medical need, not fear or superstition,” she urges.
Postpartum Care: The Invisible Phase
While pregnancy receives significant attention, postpartum care is often neglected. “Mental health, adequate sleep, and physical rehabilitation are the most overlooked aspects,” says Dr. Haritwal.
Today’s new mothers are expected to “bounce back” swiftly, even as they grapple with exhaustion, hormonal shifts, and societal pressure.
One pressing issue is postpartum depression, which often hides in plain sight. “It’s very common but rarely discussed. Crying spells, anxiety, mood swings, and withdrawal are red flags families should not ignore,” she explains.
While mild symptoms may resolve within weeks, severe cases require medical intervention—and the first step is to normalise seeking help.
Today’s first-time mothers face a web of modern pressures that were largely absent a generation ago. She outlines some of the most striking challenges faced by today’s first-time mothers: the overwhelming information overload from the internet, which often leads to confusion and anxiety; the pressure of social media, which creates unrealistic parenting standards; the struggle to balance work and motherhood amid limited maternity support; the weakening of traditional support systems due to nuclear families and urban isolation; and the growing economic burden of raising a child in an increasingly expensive world.
These realities make the journey of motherhood feel more like a marathon than a celebration. The romanticised notion of motherhood is now tempered with hard decisions, fatigue, and resilience. Despite these hurdles, Dr. Haritwal emphasises that preparation and support can turn the tide.
Women over 35, for instance, can lower their risks by starting preconceptional counselling, undergoing early screening, and taking prenatal supplements months before trying to conceive.
She also urged that families must show up—not just during baby showers, but in the sleepless nights, the teary breakdowns, and the quiet moments of doubt.
This Mother’s Day, let’s give them what they truly need—understanding, informed support, and the freedom to speak openly about the challenges of bringing life into the world. More than celebration, every mother deserves care—before, during, and long after birth.
