From Care To Cure: The Impact Of Technology On Maternal Health In India

The journey of motherhood is a profound experience, filled with anticipation, joy, and sometimes, uncertainty. As the nine months pass by, families and friends leave no stone unturned while nurturing and guiding expectant mothers during this journey. Maternal health is a fundamental component of nation’s development and thus, needs to stay at the core of healthcare innovations and policies.

Over the years, India has taken immense strides in reducing the maternal mortality rate (MMR).  According to the UN Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), report1 in March 2025, under-five mortality in India declined from 48 to 28 per 1,000 live births between 2015 and 2023, while neonatal mortality dropped from 28 to 17 per 1,000 live births in the same period. Additionally, as per National Family Health Survey (NFHS) – 5, 70% of the mothers had antenatal check-up in the first trimester as compared to 58.6% in NFHS-4.

These advancements have resulted from a multifaceted strategy that strengthens health systems, expands access to critical, life-saving interventions, promotes equitable healthcare for mothers and children across their life-course, and implements collaborative, multi-sectoral interventions to address health challenges comprehensively.

Technology aiding better health outcomes for mother and baby

In India, where maternal health has been a significant concern, technology has emerged as a game-changer, transforming the way expectant mothers receive care and support. Advanced ultrasound and AI-driven diagnostic imaging are at the forefront of this revolution, improving outcomes and reducing risks.

Advanced ultrasound technology has significantly enhanced prenatal care, enabling healthcare providers to detect potential complications early on. Any complications like ectopic pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, fetal growth restriction, placental abnormalities, and structural birth defects can be identified and managed at early stages, thereby contributing to better health outcomes for both mother and baby. This also provides a broader scope for timely interventions, reducing the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

The integration of AI has further enhanced the capabilities of ultrasound by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving workflows, and consistently delivering high-quality results. It supports with data driven insights into fetal development and maternal health.
Mammography, another crucial imaging modality, plays a vital role in the early detection and treatment of pregnancy-associated breast cancer.2 Enhanced image quality in digital mammography facilitates efficient diagnoses.

Imaging technology's ongoing advancements continually push the boundaries of diagnostic precision, ushering in new eras of accuracy and effectiveness in healthcare.

Creating robust ecosystem for better maternal health

Timely intervention by skilled health professionals in supportive environments is crucial in preventing most maternal deaths, making the elimination of preventable maternal mortality a pressing global priority. However, survival during pregnancy and childbirth is just the beginning. A robust healthcare ecosystem that leverages technology can provide comprehensive care, from prenatal check-ups to postnatal support, and prioritize reducing maternal injuries and disabilities, promoting overall health and well-being for mothers.

By integrating advanced technologies like AI-driven diagnostic imaging, telemedicine, and mobile health applications, healthcare providers can offer personalized and timely interventions, enhancing the quality of care and increasing accessibility, especially in underserved areas.

This technology-driven approach fosters a supportive environment where mothers receive holistic care, significantly improving health outcomes for both mothers and babies. With the help of innovative, sustainable and easily replicable technologies, we can create a tailored healthcare system that meets the unique needs of expectant mothers, ultimately ensuring better health and well-being for both mothers and their babies.

Authored by Hariharan Subramanian, Managing Director, Siemens Healthcare Private Limited. Views expressed by the author are their own.