Spiritual Gaps in Maternal Healthcare: A Psychospiritual Evaluation of Indian Pregnancy Policies

Abstract

Maternal health is the inclusive healthcare of women during family planning, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. The objective of the present paper is to critically review the specific pregnancy-related health policies in India by providing a psychological and spiritual perspective. For that purpose, public health policies on maternal health in India and the world were evaluated to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the reality and framework for holistic health development during the period. Secondary data analysis provides the information and various insights into the present health indicators taken forward by policy makers for maternal health. India is the most populated country in the world and the recorded births during 2023 have been 16.94 per 1000 people, which signifies the importance of interventions for women’s overall health outcomes for a healthy progeny for the family and nation. Initiatives like Janani Suraksha Yojana and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram provide financial and medical support to Pregnant Women by ensuring every pregnant woman free delivery in public health institutions along with the provision of free transport, diagnostics, medicines, other consumables, diet, and blood. This highlights the health policies that cover the physical dimension of health during pregnancy. The holistic health policy covering the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health of pregnant women is the essential need of the time. The overall health outcomes can improve the quality of life and subjective wellness of expectant mothers, which can develop the woman with proper resilience. Additionally, the social infrastructure with public and private partnerships can be an important step for developing centers for mental health and spiritual health. The perspective also provides ways to develop women’s overall health through awareness programmes and free sessions for every pregnant woman in community centers on yoga, meditation, and relaxation.