How to improve maternal health
Becoming a mother is one of the most beautiful experiences in a woman’s life. However, for millions of women around the world, giving birth can be an incredibly risky and dangerous process. Shockingly, every two minutes, a woman dies from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. These statistics are alarming and highlight the need for us to take action towards improving maternal health worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore why maternal health is such a pressing issue today and what we can do to help improve it. So sit back, relax and join me on this journey towards better maternal health!
The problem: Maternal health worldwide
Maternal health is a serious concern worldwide, and the statistics are alarming. Every year, an estimated 295,000 women die due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. This means that approximately 800 women die every day from preventable causes.
The majority of these deaths occur in developing countries where healthcare systems are weak or non-existent. In fact, more than 99% of maternal deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries.
However, even developed nations have their fair share of maternal health issues. Women from marginalized communities such as Indigenous populations and refugees often experience poorer maternal health outcomes compared to other groups.
Aside from the risk of death during childbirth, many women also suffer long-term complications such as fistulae and pelvic organ prolapse that can severely impact their quality of life.
It’s clear that we need to do more to improve maternal health outcomes for all women across the globe.
The statistics
The statistics surrounding maternal health are sobering. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 800 women die every day due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. That means that for every two minutes, a woman dies from preventable causes associated with pregnancy or giving birth.
The majority of these deaths occur in developing countries, where access to proper healthcare is limited. In fact, over 99% of all maternal deaths occur in low-income and middle-income countries. This disparity highlights the importance of addressing global inequalities in healthcare.
Furthermore, for every woman who dies during childbirth or pregnancy-related complications, there are many more who suffer from long-term consequences such as fistulae, infections and disabilities. These consequences can have a profound impact on their quality of life as well as their ability to care for themselves and their families.
It’s important to note that while progress has been made over the years in reducing maternal mortality rates globally, there is still much work left to be done. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach that involves improving access to quality medical care for expectant mothers while also addressing social determinants of health such as poverty and education levels.
To truly make an impact on maternal health outcomes worldwide, we must continue working towards achieving universal access to quality healthcare for all women regardless of where they live or what socio-economic background they come from.
Why is this happening?
Maternal health is a global concern, with many women facing life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth. So why is this happening? There are several factors that contribute to poor maternal health around the world.
One of the main reasons is lack of access to healthcare. Many women in developing countries do not have access to basic medical care, including prenatal check-ups, which can help identify potential complications early on. This lack of access also means that when emergency situations arise, there may not be adequate resources or facilities available to provide proper treatment.
Another factor that contributes to poor maternal health is poverty. Women living in poverty often face malnutrition and other health issues that can complicate pregnancies and lead to adverse outcomes for both mother and child.
Cultural attitudes towards women’s health also play a role in maternal mortality rates. In some cultures, women are expected to endure pain without complaint or seek medical attention only as a last resort. This mindset puts their lives at risk during pregnancy and childbirth.
Inadequate education about reproductive health and family planning can contribute to high rates of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions, which increase the risk of maternal mortality.
Addressing these underlying causes is crucial for improving maternal health worldwide. By increasing access to quality healthcare services, reducing poverty levels, promoting gender equality and providing comprehensive sex education programs we can all work together toward making pregnancy safer for mothers everywhere.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors that can contribute to poor maternal health outcomes. One major factor is lack of access to healthcare. Women who live in rural or low-income areas may not have access to prenatal care or emergency obstetric services, which can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Another risk factor is age. Women who become pregnant at a young age (under 18) or an older age (over 35) are at higher risk for complications such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Additionally, underlying medical conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes can increase the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. Substance abuse and mental health disorders also play a role in poor maternal health outcomes.
Inadequate nutrition before and during pregnancy can also affect both the mother’s health and the development of the fetus.
It’s important to recognize these risk factors so that interventions can be made to improve maternal health outcomes. This includes increasing access to healthcare services, promoting healthy behaviors like proper nutrition and exercise, addressing social determinants of health like poverty and education level, and providing support for women with underlying medical conditions or substance abuse issues.
What you can do to improve maternal health
More women are surviving childbirth thanks to improvements in maternal healthcare services. Unfortunately, a lot of women still lack access to high-quality maternity care. A mother or kid perishes every 11 seconds, according to a recent research by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The maternal death rate in Pakistan is 186 per 100,000 live births, according to the Pakistan Maternal death Survey (PMMS). These concerning numbers compel us to prioritise matters related to maternal health.
Here are 8 suggestions for enhancing maternal health.
1. Regular examinations
Obstetrical visits on a regular basis are crucial to maternal health care. Along with measuring the patient’s blood pressure and blood sugar, the doctor also assesses the baby’s health and, if necessary, recommends medical interventions. Health issues and difficulties may develop without routine examinations.
2. Pregnancy: A Balanced Diet Throughout and After
For the mother and infant to be properly nourished, a well-balanced diet is necessary. Traditionally, pregnant women are advised to consume more. They must, however, adhere to the doctor’s recommended nutrition plan.
3. Routine Activities and Moderate Exercise
Moderate physical activity is recommended by doctors both during and after pregnancy. However, strenuous exercise or carrying heavy objects may be harmful to your health. However, regular, moderate exercise supports both mental and bodily health.
4. Postpartum Healing
After giving birth, mothers must take the doctor’s advise to rest and heal before returning to their regular activities. After giving birth, mothers should take maternity leave.
5. Prescription Drugs
Before taking drugs for uterine pains and perineum abrasions, mothers should visit a doctor. Safe medications can be prescribed by doctors to treat pain without endangering a child’s health.
6. Controlling Postnatal Mood Shifts
After giving birth, mood changes, irritability, and insomnia are frequent side effects. The family must function as a unit if maternal health is to be improved. Having empathy and support from one’s family might be helpful in controlling the anxiety and mood swings related to childbirth. It’s critical to know that the body’s hormonal changes have an impact on mood. Elevated levels of progesterone and oestrogen are significantly lowered during pregnancy. After childbirth, hormonal imbalances might potentially cause postpartum depression.
7. Knowing about family planning
Improving maternal health must include family planning. In other cases, though, attempts to conceive a male kid come at the expense of a woman’s health. Such behaviours can be avoided with greater awareness of maternal health. Having access to contraceptives can help and promote family planning.
8. The Value of Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements During Pregnancy
Pregnant women need certain vitamins and nutrients for the proper growth of their unborn children in addition to a balanced diet. Pregnant women are advised by doctors to increase their intake of vitamin D and folic acid. By doing this, birth malformations may be reduced. Iodine, iron, and Vitamin C are additional crucial vitamins and nutrients.
The primary focus of our attention should be on the healthcare issue of maternal health. By making a donation to organizations like Transparent Hands, you can do your part to close the gaps in Pakistan’s healthcare system. We offer free medical camps where female doctors deliver free consultations, multivitamins, supplements, ultrasound scans, and preventive healthcare seminars on women’s health issues to women and children. In addition, we provide meritorious women free C-sections.