Stillbirth rates soar across urban Karnataka, with Bengaluru and other districts surpassing state averages; health experts cite lifestyle disorders and poor prenatal care as key drivers.
Karnataka’s urban centers are facing a deeply troubling trend: a sharp and disproportionate rise in stillbirths. According to 2024 government data, stillbirth rates in 12 districts, including Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru, Dharwad, and Ballari, have exceeded the state average of 3.41 per 1,000 live births. Haveri has reported the highest rate at 9.30, nearly triple the state average.
Of the 3,244 stillbirths reported statewide this year, a staggering 3,145 have occurred in urban regions, translating to 7.18 per 1,000 births. In contrast, rural Karnataka reported just 99 stillbirths, marking a dramatic reversal from previous years where rural areas bore the brunt.
Medical professionals are raising red flags about the root causes behind this urban surge. Conditions such as delayed motherhood, gestational diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and lifestyle-related stress are major contributors. Additional risk factors include infections, twin pregnancies, substance abuse, and even minor accidents or fevers during pregnancy.
Bengaluru Urban, once thought to be well-equipped in maternal care, is now among the high-burden zones. Experts warn that increasing stress levels among working women, lack of physical activity, and inconsistent access to prenatal care in fast-growing neighborhoods are driving up complications.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has called for urgent district-wise investigations and emphasized immediate awareness drives to address the crisis. “We are treating this matter with urgency. Awareness campaigns will be launched to guide pregnant women on safe practices,” he stated.
In contrast to this grim picture, districts like Hassan, Kodagu, and Yadgir have maintained low or even zero stillbirth rates, thanks to robust antenatal outreach and community-based care.
Doctors are urging pregnant women to adopt healthier lifestyles, monitor fetal movements diligently, and seek immediate medical help for warning signs like reduced fetal activity, pain, or bleeding. Simple changes, such as sleeping on the side and eating nutrient-rich food, can greatly reduce risk.
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