Pregnant women and new mothers continue to die at alarming rates worldwide, with most of these deaths being preventable. A new global analysis reveals the underlying causes behind these tragedies.
A pregnant woman or new mother dies every two minutes, with an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths occurring in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These deaths, which happen during pregnancy or within six weeks after childbirth, are directly linked to the pregnancy process.
The majority of maternal deaths are concentrated in low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where women face the highest risks. This analysis represents the WHO’s first global update in over a decade on the factors contributing to maternal deaths.
Key Findings and Causes
The findings highlight the main causes of maternal death and offer solutions for saving lives in high-risk regions. According to Dr. Jenny Cresswell, a WHO scientist and lead author of the study, the interventions needed to prevent these deaths are not complex.
Between 2009 and 2020, the primary causes of maternal deaths worldwide were severe bleeding (haemorrhage), preeclampsia (high blood pressure), infections, and chronic health conditions aggravated by pregnancy. These health issues can lead to organ failure or strokes if untreated.
Other major causes include sepsis, blocked blood vessels, and complications from abortion. Although data on mental health during pregnancy is limited, suicide among new mothers is also a significant concern.
Maternal Deaths as a Warning Sign
Maternal deaths are often a signal of deeper health and social issues, according to Joyce Browne, an associate professor of global health. “If women have access to quality care and social support, they generally don’t die,” she explained.
The report shows that lower-income countries often lack the necessary medical resources for emergencies, contributing to the higher risk of death from conditions like haemorrhage. Women in these regions may die within hours if they don’t receive timely treatment. In Latin America and the Caribbean, complications related to high blood pressure are the leading cause of death for new mothers, often occurring in the first week after childbirth.
In addition to fatalities, many women experience life-threatening complications, called “near-misses.” In some countries, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa, one in 20 women will experience a near-miss in their lifetime. In Guatemala, the risk is even higher, with one in six women affected.
Improving Maternal Health Worldwide
Dr. Cresswell emphasized the need for better coordination between various health services, including obstetrics, primary care, emergency services, and mental health support. Strengthening health systems in low-income countries could lead to significant improvements in maternal health outcomes.
Although these improvements may be gradual, even small changes can save lives. For example, international guidelines recommend monitoring a baby’s heartbeat every few minutes during labor. However, in areas with limited medical staff, this may only be possible once an hour—but even this limited monitoring is better than nothing.
Challenges and Progress
The study, which covers data up to 2020, does not account for the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Browne noted that the situation has likely worsened due to the pandemic’s impact on healthcare systems and workers worldwide. Additionally, global health initiatives, including maternal and child health programs, are facing uncertainty due to funding cuts.
Despite these challenges, there has been progress. Since 2000, 69 countries have halved their maternal mortality rates. Sub-Saharan Africa has reduced its maternal death rate by 33%.
Dr. Cresswell concluded, “We know why women are dying. The key now is to invest in solutions to prevent these deaths from happening again.”
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