Maternal health : Miscarriages on the rise in Landi Kotal

Villagers and doctors say physical exertion takes a toll on expecting mothers.

PESHAWAR: During the last six months, 29 cases of miscarriages were reported in Station Khel village of Landi Kotal, Khyber Agency, according to a local NGO, Khyber Welfare Home (KWH).

The struggle of women to fetch water from far flung areas is considered to be the prime reason for such incidents, said a resident of the village and KWH representative Khalil Khan. “Women of the village have to fetch a 32 litre can of water by walking for at least one kilometer.”

Station Khel has a population of around 3,000 people. The majority of men work as labourers and transporters in other areas, leaving their women behind to perform tedious tasks.

“The household activities in tribal societies are mainly managed by women who are supposed to not only fetch water, but prepare meals, wash clothes, and above all – do the necessary farming to meet the family’s needs,” another local, Tahir Afridi told The Express Tribune.

Afridi said his wife had to suffer two miscarriages for not taking adequate precautions during pregnancy.

Another resident, Fazle Haq Afridi said the increasing number of miscarriages was alarming. “Most of the time, adult males in the village have to venture outside because of their jobs and businesses. Women have to do most of the work which worsens their health.”

Haq complained that no access to clean drinking water and electricity added to the woes of the entire family, especially women.

Doctor Janab Gul at the Landi Kotal Headquarters Hospital confirmed the recent increase in such incidents and said women face various physical problems after miscarriages, including spinal cord problems and a permanent pain in the shoulders.

“It is a social taboo to discuss such issues even at home, unless the problem gets worse, after which they consult a doctor, but it’s too late,” he said.

According to a gynaecologist at Landi Kotal Headquarters Hospital, Dr Parveen, the main reasons for miscarriages are: lifting heavy weight during pregnancy, substandard and unhygienic food, and mental stress.

She also cited lack of awareness among tribal societies regarding pregnancy related issues as a major factor in the declining health of expecting mothers.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2013.