An SMS-based tracking system has been introduced in a district in India to ensure pregnant women get all the check-ups they need during pregnancy.
When a woman in Wardha district is found to be pregnant, a unique number detailing her height, weight, age and number of previous children is sent to a database.
The database then sends reminders to the nurses in charge of the woman's care, telling them when check-ups are due, or when the delivery date is approaching.
The scheme was introduced in January, and has since been used to monitor every pregnancy in the district's 997 villages. It has been named "Project Jeevandainee" and is part of the National Rural Health Mission.
Sarvaree Gokhale, additional chief secretary (health), said: "We hope to replicate the Wardha model in all districts." It is hoped that the system will reduce the rates of maternal and infant mortality.
Dr Arun Amle, district health officer, said the database would be especially useful when dealing with high-risk pregnancies. "We have identified 26 factors like high blood pressure that could lead to complications during pregnancy," he said.
"Based on them, if the nurse finds that the woman is in the high-risk category, she has to send a particular message. This is automatically forwarded to the medical officer who heads the nearest Primary Health Centre.
"He then has to conduct a thorough examination, refer to a bigger hospital if needed and send another SMS to confirm. If he doesn't, his phone will keep beeping with reminders."
Copyright © Press Association 2010