A pregnant woman in rural Nepal receives support from her community as she accesses maternal healthcare services.

Empowering Mothers: A Guide to Maternal Healthcare in Rural Nepal

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Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how improved maternal health services in Belbari VDC are transforming lives and reducing mortality rates."


Maternal health is a cornerstone of community well-being, particularly in developing countries where access to quality care can dramatically impact morbidity and mortality rates. Ensuring that mothers receive appropriate healthcare services is essential not only for their own health but also for the healthy development of their children. Understanding the utilization of maternal health services and the cultural practices surrounding motherhood is crucial for creating effective healthcare strategies.

In Nepal, where geographical and socio-economic barriers can limit access to healthcare, targeted studies are essential to assess and improve maternal health outcomes. A recent study focused on the Belbari Village Development Committee (VDC) in the Morang district of eastern Nepal, seeking to understand the utilization of maternal health services and identify cultural practices affecting the care of mothers and young children. This research provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for enhancing maternal healthcare in rural communities.

This article delves into the findings of the Belbari VDC study, highlighting the key maternal health services utilized by women in the region, the cultural practices influencing maternal and child care, and the implications for future healthcare interventions. By examining these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of how to support healthier pregnancies and reduce maternal and infant mortality in similar settings.

Key Maternal Health Services Utilized in Belbari VDC

A pregnant woman in rural Nepal receives support from her community as she accesses maternal healthcare services.

The study in Belbari VDC employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, surveying 248 mothers with children under one year of age. Data was collected through both quantitative (household surveys) and qualitative (focus group discussions and key informant interviews) methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the community's healthcare practices.

The results of the study revealed encouraging trends in the utilization of maternal health services. Among the 248 mothers surveyed:

  • Antenatal Care (ANC): 84% of mothers utilized antenatal care services, indicating a strong awareness of the importance of prenatal check-ups.
  • Tetanus Toxoid (TT) Vaccination: 91% of mothers received the TT vaccine during pregnancy, highlighting a high level of immunization coverage to prevent tetanus in both mother and child.
  • Institutional Deliveries: 80% of mothers had their babies delivered in health institutions, demonstrating a preference for professional medical assistance during childbirth.
These findings suggest that a significant proportion of women in Belbari VDC are actively engaging with maternal health services. However, it is essential to delve deeper into the cultural practices and beliefs that may influence these behaviors to identify areas where further improvements can be made.

Moving Forward: Reinforcing Positive Practices and Correcting Misconceptions

The study in Belbari VDC provides a valuable snapshot of maternal healthcare utilization and cultural practices in a rural Nepalese community. By understanding the factors that influence these behaviors, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Encouraging the utilization of maternal health services, reinforcing positive cultural practices, and addressing harmful misconceptions are essential steps towards creating a healthier future for mothers and children in Nepal.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What is maternal health and why is it so important?

Maternal health is essential for the overall well-being of communities, especially in developing countries. When mothers receive proper healthcare, it significantly reduces the risks of illness and death for both the mother and her child. Understanding the utilization of maternal health services, like Antenatal Care and Institutional Deliveries, along with cultural practices, helps in creating effective healthcare strategies tailored to specific community needs.

2

What is Antenatal Care (ANC) and why is it important for mothers?

Antenatal Care (ANC) involves regular check-ups during pregnancy. In Belbari VDC, a significant 84% of mothers utilized these services. ANC is crucial because it allows healthcare providers to monitor the mother's and the baby's health, provide essential advice, and detect potential problems early. Consistent Antenatal Care contributes to healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries, reducing the likelihood of complications.

3

What is the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine and why should pregnant women get it?

The Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine protects both the mother and the newborn from tetanus, a potentially deadly infection. In Belbari VDC, 91% of mothers received the TT vaccine during pregnancy, indicating a high level of immunization coverage. This vaccination is vital for preventing tetanus, ensuring better health outcomes for both the mother and her child.

4

What are Institutional Deliveries and why are they preferred?

Institutional Deliveries refer to childbirths that take place in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals or clinics, under the supervision of trained medical professionals. In Belbari VDC, 80% of mothers opted for Institutional Deliveries. This is significant because these facilities are equipped to handle emergencies and provide necessary medical interventions, reducing the risk of complications during childbirth compared to deliveries at home without professional assistance.

5

What kind of research methods were used in the Belbari VDC study, and why is that important?

The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data. Quantitative data was collected through household surveys, while qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough understanding of maternal healthcare practices and cultural influences within the community. By combining these methods, researchers gain insights into both the prevalence of certain behaviors and the underlying reasons behind them, allowing for more targeted and effective healthcare interventions.

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