Although giving birth is a miraculous occurrence, it may also be fatal for a lot of women.
In America, maternal mortality is a tragedy that occurs much too frequently. Numerous women die from pregnancy-related causes yearly, and black women are at a three to four times greater risk than white women.
Several reasons, including poor access to high-quality healthcare, poverty, and systematic racism, cause maternal mortality. But one of the most critical concerns is the growing proportion of women with chronic illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
These long-term illnesses, whose incidence is rising in the US, can significantly increase the risk of pregnancy. The number of pregnant women with diabetes has more than doubled over the past 20 years, and the number of pregnant women with hypertension has increased by 50%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Given that the total maternal death rate in the United States is already unacceptably high, these developments are particularly alarming. Every year in the United States, according to the CDC, 700 women pass away from pregnancy-related causes, or one death for every 11,000 live births.
The issue is escalating. The maternal mortality rate has recently increased in the United States despite declining in other wealthy nations.
The growing proportion of women with chronic medical illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension is one of the leading causes of this trend.
These long-term illnesses, whose incidence is rising in the US, can significantly increase the risk of pregnancy. The CDC states that…
Maternal Mortality Factors
A critical issue around the world is maternal mortality. The World Health Organization estimates that in 2015, 830 women died each day from pregnancy-related reasons. That amounts to nearly 300,000 women annually.
Numerous variables cause maternal mortality. Two of the most typical causes are listed below:
1. Hemorrhage
The leading global cause of maternal death is hemorrhage or excessive bleeding. It may occur before or after delivery, during labor and delivery, or during pregnancy.
Although there are many other forms of bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage is the most typical. When a woman experiences significant bleeding after giving delivery, this happens. Numerous things can lead to it, including uterine rupture, placental abruption, or uterine atony (when the uterus doesn’t contract effectively).
A postpartum hemorrhage is a medical emergency that, if untreated, might be fatal.
2. Infection
Another major factor contributing to maternal mortality is infection. Viruses can spread during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period.
Sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be associated with pregnancy. These infections can potentially have severe side effects, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), resulting in infertility or ectopic pregnancies (pregnancies that implant outside the uterus).
Additionally, infections can develop during labor and delivery. Group B streptococcus (GBS), a type of bacterium that can be detected in the vagina and rectum, is the most prevalent. If GBS is present during labor, it may result in the newborn developing life-threatening illnesses like pneumonia or meningitis.
Infections after childbirth might develop in the weeks that follow. Postpartum endometritis, a condition of the uterine lining, is the most typical type. Fever, chills, and pelvic pain may result from this.
The Maternal Mortality Crisis: Solutions
Every day, almost 830 women worldwide pass away from preventable conditions associated with pregnancy and childbirth. One woman every two minutes, then. Pregnancy-related reasons account for more deaths in women than any other factor.
Various variables, such as access to good healthcare, poverty, and inadequate education, cause a high maternal death rate.
There are various strategies to contribute to lowering the rate of maternal mortality.
Here are ways to address the challenge of maternal mortality:
Increasing Access to Good Healthcare
Access to high-quality healthcare for women is one of the most crucial things we can do to lower the maternal death rate. It ensures that pregnant women and new mothers can access qualified medical personnel.
It also entails giving women access to critical medical treatments and technological advancements. Women frequently lack access to the high-quality healthcare they require. It must be altered.
lessen poverty
Another significant factor that raises the risk of maternal death is poverty. Complications during pregnancy and labor are more likely to occur in women who live in poverty.
They frequently lack proper nourishment, which increases their risk of contracting infectious infections. They often do not have access to good medical treatment.
Reduced poverty is necessary to lessen the rate of maternal mortality. We must guarantee that women can access the tools they require to live happy, healthy lives.
Increasing Educational Access
Increasing women’s access to education is one of the best methods to lower the maternal mortality rate. Women with higher levels of education are more likely to understand the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth and how to prevent them.
Additionally, they are more likely to have access to high-quality medical treatment and be able to make wise choices regarding their health. Women’s and infants’ lives can be saved using education, an effective instrument.
These are only three ways we may contribute to lowering the maternal death rate. To solve this issue, we must act. We must guarantee that every woman has access.
Conclusion
Women can engage in various activities to preserve their fitness and health. It can, however, occasionally take work to know where to begin. Fortunately, a few straightforward guidelines can make any woman’s life healthier.
The most crucial thing to remember is to eat nutritious foods. Consuming lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains is necessary. Limiting processed meals, saturated fats, and sugar is also essential. It’s crucial to exercise frequently in addition to eating a healthy diet. Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, lower stress levels, and enhance heart health.
The importance of considering mental wellness cannot be overstated. It entails obtaining enough rest, controlling stress, and spending time with close friends and family. Knowing the symptoms of anxiety and depression is also crucial. Getting expert assistance is vital if you encounter any of these symptoms.
Finally, it’s critical to see your physician regularly. Doing this ensures that all your vaccines are current and your overall health is good. Your doctor can also assist in identifying any potential health issues you may have.
You can live a better and happier life by following these straightforward suggestions.
