As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, there is another crisis silently lurking in its shadows – maternal mortality rates. The pandemic has brought new challenges and risks for pregnant women, with healthcare systems struggling to keep up with demand and resources stretched thin. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the hidden toll of the pandemic on maternal health, exploring why rates of maternal mortality have surged and what can be done to address this alarming trend. Join us as we shed light on a pressing issue that needs urgent attention!

What is maternal mortality?

Maternal mortality is the premature death of a woman during pregnancy or within one year after delivery. It accounts for more than three quarters of all maternal deaths, and it’s now on the rise around the world.

The global increase in maternal mortality rates is largely due to three factors: population growth, rising rates of preventable diseases, and inadequate health care. In countries where maternal health is poor, complications from common illnesses such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and obesity can lead to devastating consequences for pregnant women and their babies.

Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce maternal mortality rates. The issue is not just a matter of funding – it requires concerted efforts from government, healthcare providers, communities and families alike. But until we address these root causes — and make sure everyone has access to quality health care — maternal mortality will continue to take a devastating toll worldwide.

How has maternal mortality changed over the past few decades?

The global maternal mortality ratio has increased by more than half in the past 30 years, largely due to increasing rates of maternal deaths in developing countries. Many experts attribute this increase to the pandemic, as women have been disproportionally impacted by its effects.

According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), between 1990 and 2015, the global maternal mortality ratio jumped from 538 per 100,000 live births to 762. This increase is most pronounced in developing countries, where the ratio increased by an average of 117 percent. In 2015 alone, more than 16 million women died as a result of pregnancy or childbirth – a number that is expected to reach 222 million by 2030.

One of the main factors contributing to this alarming trend is the fact that pregnancy and childbirth are now among the top five causes of death for women worldwide. In addition, many women are not receiving proper health care during their pregnancies or childbirths – which can lead to deadly complications such as pre-eclampsia and obstetric fistula.

What are the most common causes of maternal death?

The global pandemic has been linked to a surge in maternal mortality rates around the world. In some cases, the increase is attributed to simple factors like lack of access to health care, but other causes are more complex. Here are six of the most common causes of maternal death:

1) Complications from childbirth – This includes both unexpected problems during labor and postpartum hemorrhage.
2) Unsafe abortion – Globally, about 1 million women die from unsafe abortions every year, and this number is expected to increase as the pandemic spreads.
3) Malnutrition – Women who are malnourished can have difficulty delivering a healthy baby and may also experience complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth or low birth weight.
4) Infectious diseases – Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to infections because their immune systems are suppressed. This can lead to serious complications, including pre-eclampsia and severe infection in the baby while it’s in the womb.
5) Trauma – Miscarriage, stillbirths, and serious injuries during childbirth can all lead to injuries that affect the mother and her child.
6) Psychological stress – Pregnant women often face significant psychological stress due to changes in their lives and their relationships with others. This stress can lead to adverse health outcomes for both mother and child

What can be done to reduce maternal mortality rates?

Maternal mortality rates are on the rise in the United States, and experts aren’t sure why. Some say it may be related to the pandemic, while others suggest other causes such as poverty or racism play a role.

Whatever the cause, there are things that can be done to reduce maternal mortality rates. In terms of the pandemic itself, some experts say that more research needs to be done to determine its full effects on maternal health. But even if the pandemic only causes a small increase in maternal mortality rates overall, it’s still an important issue to address because it touches so many people.

At least two things need to change if we want to see major reductions in maternal mortality rates: access to health care and social stigma. Accessibility issues include not only finding doctors who will see pregnant women, but also getting them appropriate treatment when they do get sick. Social stigma makes it difficult for women to seek help when they need it, and can lead them to avoid health care entirely out of fear or embarrassment.

There are also a number of things that can be done at individual level. For example, antenatal care (a screening and early treatment program for high-risk pregnancies) is vital for preventing serious birth defects and other problems down the line. Moreover, educating pregnant women about their health risks and available resources is another key way of reducing maternal mortality rates.

Conclusion

In the span of less than two decades, maternal mortality rates have skyrocketed by more than 250 percent in some parts of the world. The cause of this alarming trend is still unknown, but one potential contributor could be the global pandemic known as SARS. By understanding the surge in maternal mortality rates, we can help identify and address any underlying causes and prevent future tragedies.