Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR): Components, Purpose & Importance
Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) includes the following key components:
BPCR includes the following components: knowledge of danger signs, plan for where to give birth, plan for a skilled birth attendant, plan for transportation, a birth companion, identification of compatible blood donors in case of emergency and saving money for expenses.
1. Identification of the preferred place of delivery (ensuring access to a health facility or skilled birth attendant).
2. Selection of a skilled birth attendant for delivery.
3. Saving money to cover birth-related and emergency expenses.
4. Arranging transportation to the health facility for childbirth and emergencies.
5. Identifying a birth companion or support person during labor and delivery.
6. Planning for a blood donor in case of emergency transfusion needs.
7. Preparation of essential supplies and materials for clean and safe delivery.
8. Awareness and recognition of key danger signs during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum to seek timely care.
9. Involvement of family members for support and decision-making.
Purpose of the components of BPCR
Birth preparedness: Planning for a normal delivery.
1. Identifying labor signs and knowing when to go to the hospital.
2. Arranging for a skilled birth attendant to be present.
3. Saving money for potential expenses.
4. Making transportation arrangements for the mother and baby.
Complication readiness: Preparing for unexpected events during childbirth or the postpartum period.
1. Learning to recognize danger signs related to pregnancy and childbirth, such as excessive bleeding, prolonged labor, or convulsions.
2. Knowing how to respond to a complication, including understanding the need for urgent care.
3. Having access to emergency medical services.
Postnatal and newborn care: Planning for the care needed after birth.
1. Ensuring the mother has the necessary supplies and support.
2. Knowing what signs to watch for in a newborn that indicate a need for medical attention.
Why BPCR is important
• Reduces maternal and infant mortality: It helps avert complications by ensuring prompt and appropriate care is sought and received.
• Addresses delays in care: It targets the "three delays" that can occur before, during, and after childbirth: delays in
1. Seeking Care
2. Reaching Care
3. Receiving care
• Empowers women and families: It provides pregnant women, their families, and communities with the knowledge to make informed decisions and take action to ensure a safer birth experience.
Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) is a strategy to improve delivery outcomes by having a plan for both normal birth and emergencies. It involves preparing for the birth process by making plans for delivery, post-natal care, and newborn care, while also being ready to handle complications by identifying warning signs and knowing what steps to take in an emergency. This approach helps reduce delays in seeking and receiving care, which is critical for lowering maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
Reference:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Guidelines for Antenatal Care and Skilled Attendance at Birth. National Health Mission; 2018. Available from: https://nhm.gov.in/ (Accessed November 17, 2025).
JHPIEGO. Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness: A Matrix of Shared Responsibilities. Baltimore, MD: JHPIEGO; 2004. Available from: https://www.jhpiego.org/resource/birth-preparedness-and-complication-rea... (Accessed November 17, 2025).