Thursday, November 10 2005 19:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: An entire generation of yet-to-be born children might be affected by the devastating October 8 earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir, fear medical experts who have noticed substantial physiological changes among expectant mothers as also a three-four-fold rise in the number of abortions there.

Miscarriages and abortions are a normal phenomenon but since the earthquake struck there has been a three to four fold increase in such cases since the magnitude 7.4 temblor struck, said Dr Shahida Mir, Head of Gynaecology department at the largest Lalla Ded maternity hospital here today (Nov 10, 2005).

Mir said her unit at the hospital had attended around 200 cases of pregnancies since the killer earthquake out of which a large number had suffered abortions or miscarriages.

"We were able to continue some of the pregnancies with specialized treatment but it is yet to be seen how successful it will be", she said.

Another leading Gynaecologist, Dr Rukhsana said they had seen that aftershocks had triggered panic reaction among the people, especially women folk, which can result in increase in blood pressure and levels or hormones in the blood.

These could have varying effects on the fetus ranging from mild problems to fatalities, she explained underlining the significance of maintaining extreme care to ensure that the women complete their term successfully.

"So far, we have not come across any unusual new-born babies but the embryos which were in formative stages at the time of the earthquake might suffer the ill effects as physical shocks and emotional upheavals from time to time can affect them, said Dr rukhsana.

Cases of stillborn babies were also on the rise as she had personally dealt with three such cases in her unit only.

"There are several units in the hospital and there are many private hospitals functioning in the state. So, I think the number might be much higher", Dr Mir said.

"It is not just the cases of still-born babies or aborted pregnancies and miscarriages. The earthquake might leave lasting ill effects on the young ones still in the wombs," said Mir, who has a very successful private practice as well.

The doctors said they were more worried about the women from the remote earthquake affected areas in North Kashmir where women are mostly uneducated and the health care facilities also leave a lot to be desired.

"Hence, it is a must that arrangements should be made in the affected areas to provide specialised care to expectant mothers", Dr Rukhsana said.

Many of the expectant mothers were in need of psychiatric counseling to help them to come out of the shock and fear instilled in them following the earthquake.