Project Society for Promotion of Rural Education and Development (SPREAD)

Prabhati Krishna, a 25-year-old woman, lived in a small village with her husband and their 3-year-old son. Their 4-acre plot of land served as their primary source of income through agriculture. Prabhati was a responsible mother who prioritized her family’s well-being. She diligently took her son to the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) center for vaccinations, ensuring his good health. Additionally, she actively participated in all the educational sessions offered by the center.

When she discovered that she was expecting her second child. It was still the early stages of her pregnancy, and she registered for antenatal care when she was two months along. During her checkup, she was dismayed to learn that she weighed a mere 56 kilograms and had a hemoglobin level of 11.5. Concerned, the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) advised her to prioritize rest and consume nutritious food twice a day.

However, a few months later, she fell ill and developed a persistent fever that lasted for over a week. Her worried husband took her to the Community Health Center (CHC). After thorough examination, the doctors diagnosed her with malaria. As time passed, Prabhati faced further health challenges, including dysentery, acute muscle pain, and a loss of appetite.

During her second antenatal care checkup, Prabhati’s weight had dropped significantly to 43 kilograms, with her hemoglobin level at a worrisome 8.4. The ANM and ASHA continued to monitor her closely, providing guidance on maintaining a well-balanced diet. In her third checkup, Prabhati’s weight increased slightly to 45 kilograms, while her hemoglobin level improved to 8.8. By the fourth visit, she weighed 50 kilograms, and her hemoglobin level had risen to 10. Despite the progress, she was still considered a high-risk case.

Under the careful supervision of the district hospital, Prabhati successfully delivered her second baby. However, the newborn weighed only 2 kilograms, raising concerns for the health and development of the child. The dedicated CRY team closely monitored the baby’s progress. With exclusive breastfeeding and attentive care, the child’s weight gradually increased to a healthy 3.5 kilograms after three months. Finally, the baby was classified as being in the normal weight category, bringing great relief to Prabhati and her family.