Maternal mortality rate has decreased, but corona has become a big obstacle! Revealed in new research

Maternal Mortality Rate : Maternal mortality rates have declined worldwide over the past few decades, but the pace of improvement has slowed in recent years. Recently, a global study published in The Lancet has revealed that the death of women due to reasons related to pregnancy and child birth still remains a major challenge. Especially in low and middle income countries, the safety of women during pregnancy and child birth is still at a worrying level. In such a situation, let us know how Corona became a major obstacle to the maternal mortality rate at the global level.

What is Maternal Mortality and Maternal Mortality Rate?

Maternal mortality means the death of women due to pregnancy, child birth or from pregnancy-related causes within one year of child birth. Scientists measure it by maternal death rate i.e. Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR). It tells the number of maternal deaths per 1 lakh children born. According to research, the maternal mortality rate globally in 2023 has been recorded at around 190 deaths per 1 lakh births. Although this is better than the 1990 figure, it is still far from safe levels.

What was the maternal mortality rate in the last three decades?

Maternal mortality rates have improved over the last three decades, but not equally in every country. The target of the United Nations is to reduce the maternal mortality rate to 70 per 1 lakh births by 2030. However, 104 out of 204 countries have still not reached this target. In some countries the maternal mortality rate is more than 140 per 1 lakh births. Experts say that the rapid improvement that took place in the early 2000s slowed down or reversed in many areas after 2015.

How did Corona become a major obstacle to maternal mortality rate?

Research also found that Covid-19 increased the maternal mortality rate. During the most difficult times of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, hospitals and health services were not able to function properly. Pregnant women were not able to get timely medical care. Some pregnant women were more sensitive to Covid-19 infection. Researchers estimate that this pandemic has resulted in thousands to tens of thousands more maternal deaths globally.

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Main causes of maternal death

Most maternal deaths occur due to problems occurring during pregnancy and child birth, which can be prevented with timely treatment. These include excessive bleeding after child birth, high blood pressure such as pre-eclampsia, infection, unsafe abortion and complications during child birth. If proper treatment and good child birth help is available on time, then these deaths can be prevented.

What is the maternal mortality rate in India?

India has made significant improvements in reducing the maternal mortality rate in the last two decades. Where in 1990 there were approximately 556 deaths per 1 lakh births. In recent years there have been approximately 97 deaths per 1 lakh births. India will have to do more to reach less than 70 targets of SDGs. Experts believe that it will be necessary to continue investing in rural health services, good child birth attendants, emergency maternity care and maternal nutrition.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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