One Mother Dies Every 2 Minutes – Can This Be Stopped?
A new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that severe bleeding and high blood pressure disorders are responsible for over 1 lakh pregnancy-related deaths worldwide. The report, published in The Lancet Global Health, highlights the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare services.
In 2020, approximately 287,000 women lost their lives due to pregnancy-related complications. This equates to one maternal death every two minutes, underscoring a persistent global health crisis.
Major Causes of Maternal Deaths
The study found that excessive bleeding, particularly during or after childbirth, accounts for nearly 27% (around 80,000) of all maternal deaths. Additionally, hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia contribute to 16% (about 50,000) of fatalities.
Preeclampsia is a severe condition marked by high blood pressure, which, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications such as haemorrhages, strokes, organ failure, and seizures.
Other Health Conditions Increasing Risks
Apart from bleeding and high blood pressure, other medical conditions significantly contribute to pregnancy-related deaths. Infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and chronic conditions such as anaemia and diabetes are responsible for nearly 23% of fatalities. These conditions often remain undiagnosed or untreated until serious complications arise, increasing risks for pregnant women.
Sepsis, infections, pulmonary embolism, and complications related to spontaneous and induced abortions—including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies—are also among the leading causes of maternal deaths.
Need for Better Maternal Healthcare
A key finding of the study is that nearly one-third of women, particularly in low-income countries, do not receive essential postnatal check-ups in the crucial first days after childbirth. These early postnatal checks are vital in identifying and addressing complications before they become life-threatening.
According to Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, “Understanding the reasons behind maternal deaths is crucial to addressing the ongoing maternal health crisis. Women everywhere deserve access to quality healthcare before, during, and after childbirth.”
Conclusion
The study emphasizes the importance of strengthening maternity care services, particularly antenatal check-ups that help identify risks early in pregnancy. Early detection and timely medical intervention can prevent severe complications and improve survival rates for mothers and newborns.
Enhancing healthcare access, ensuring proper prenatal and postnatal care, and addressing underlying health conditions are critical steps in reducing maternal mortality worldwide. Governments and healthcare organizations must work together to provide effective and timely medical care to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers during pregnancy and childbirth.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
