KARACHI, Dec 21: 44 per cent of pregnant women in the country are denied quality food.

A study has revealed that 54 per cent newborns die, 12 per cent of whome are delivered by traditional birth attendants (TBAs).

The majority of would-be mothers are those married before attaining the age of 20 and 17 per cent of them fail to attain medical guidance. 48 per cent of them want a boy against the 28 per cent willing to have a girl. 30 percent of them are under tremendous pressure from their relatives to deliver a boy.

Though a majority of expecting women are generally extended necessary emotional support by their spouse and relative during the first pregnancy, the situation changes in the a second or third case. Two per cent of these ladies resort to tranquillisers to overcome their depression.—APP