Pregnancy and childbirth is a natural process but a perilous journey and never in any event should a woman loose this battle while bringing a new life into this world. Unfortunately majority of the times such deaths are preventable. It is here that the role of Birth preparedness and complication readiness comes into play.

BP/CR is essential for improvement of maternal and child health. Despite this fact, little is known about its current magnitude and influencing factors in India. Further, the inclusion of reducing maternal mortality in the Sustainable Development Goals clearly showed that improving maternal mortality has gained recognition at global level. The majority of maternal deaths occur during labour, delivery, and within 24 hours postpartum. Apart from medical causes, various interrelated sociocultural factors have made it to the list of factors which delay care seeking and contribute to these maternal deaths.

This book Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness: the need of the hour has been prepared to highlight the importance of Birth preparedness and complication readiness in reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. The aim of this book is also to overcome the gaps in knowledge/awareness regarding all the key danger signs in the four domains of the pregnancy and childbirth, so that such knowledge is carried forward and shared among health care providers to ensure delivery of best possible health care to both the mother and her baby.