Childbirth in developing countries
In Africa, 1 in 16 women die in pregnancy or childbirth, this is compared to 1 in 4,600 in the UK. In parts of Ethiopia it is as high as 1 in 7.Women die from bleeding, infection, fitting and obstructed labour. Most of these deaths could be avoided by simple and cheap measures. Death in pregnancy and childbirth does not just affect the woman: dependent infants and children may die soon after the death of their mothers.
Causes of Maternal Mortality
The health of women and girls during pregnancy and childbirth is a
major concern in the developing world. In recent decades there has been
a decrease in infant mortality rates across the world. However, there
has been no major reduction in maternal mortality over a similar
period.
It is estimated that approximately 180 to 200 million women and girls become pregnant each year and of these an estimated 529 000 women die from pregnancy related causes (more than one maternal death a minute). The majority of these deaths - over ninety-nine percent - occur in the developing world. Further more, for every woman or girl who dies in childbirth around twenty more suffer injury, infection of disease - approximately ten million women and girls each year. It has been estimated that approximately 40% of women and girls may suffer an acute problem in pregnancy, and 9-15% may experience a problem needing higher level care.
Reproductive factors
The risk of a woman or girl dying in pregnancy and childbirth depends on the number of pregnancies she has in her lifetime. The higher the number of pregnancies the greater the lifetime risk of pregnancy-related death. Maternal mortality rates are also higher amongst girls, women aged 35 years and older and those with four or more children.
Socio-economic and cultural factors
The ability of women and girls to command resources and make independent decisions about their fertility, their health and healthcare also has an impact on maternal mortality. Where women and girls are afforded a low status in society their health needs are often neglected, and existing health facilities may not be accessed by women and girls in need. Additionally, lack of education and understanding around health-related issues can contribute to delays in seeking care when it is needed or to life-threatening pregnancy complications being inappropriately managed.
