LUCKNOW, April 20 -- Many women in India continue to die during pregnancy or childbirth due to delays in recognising early warning signs and initiating timely treatment, doctors said at a workshop held at King George's Medical University (KGMU). The issue was highlighted during a two-day workshop that concluded on Sunday, where specialists from critical care, gynaecology and anaesthesia departments discussed ways to improve maternal care and reduce mortality. Experts noted that while hospitals have established protocols to manage complications, these are often not followed effectively, particularly in smaller hospitals and rural areas. As a result, conditions that are otherwise manageable can escalate into life-threatening emergencies. To address this gap, doctors stressed the importance of simple monitoring tools such as the modified early obstetric warning score (MEOWS), which helps healthcare workers detect early signs of deterioration - including changes in blood pressure, pulse and respiration - enabling timely intervention, according to the press release shared by Society of Precision Medicine and Intensive Care (PMIC). They also highlighted the role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), a portable bedside tool that allows rapid assessment of heart function, blood flow and fluid status. Techniques such as the rapid ultrasound in shock (RUSH) protocol can help quickly identify the cause of shock and guide targeted treatment. Doctors said that managing shock quickly is critical. This includes giving fluids, using medicines to stabilise blood pressure, and treating the underlying cause without delay. They stressed that better training of healthcare staff, proper use of these tools, and faster decision-making can save many lives. Strengthening healthcare systems, especially in rural and resource-limited areas, remains key to reducing maternal deaths....