A woman dies every two minutes during pregnancy or childbirth, says the UN

According to a new report, a third of women worldwide lack even half of the recommended prenatal tests.

With proper medical care, hope and joy are feelings that (in most cases) accompany a pregnancy. Conversely, for millions of mothers without access to primary health care, pregnancy can be a dangerous experience. ” Every two minutes a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth”, informs the report Trends in maternal mortalityissued by the United Nations (UN) together with the World Health Organization (WHO).

In 2020, there were 287,000 maternal deaths worldwide. ” This number of deaths in just one year is inconceivable. It is unacceptable that so many women continue to die needlessly,” said Natalia Kanem, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund.

The research tracked national and global data from 2000 to 2020. By 2015, there had been advances in pregnancy care and assistance, and the number of deaths had decreased significantly. From then on there was stagnation and, in some cases, regression.

In Europe and North America, the maternal mortality rate increased by 17% between 2016 and 2020. In Latin America and the Caribbean the increase was 15%. In total, the deaths were concentrated in the poorest and conflict-affected regions of the globe. In 2020, sub-Saharan Africa (made up of South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, among other countries) accounted for 70% of all maternal deaths in the world.

To the main causes they were severe bleeding, high blood pressure, infection, complications from unsafe abortion, and underlying disease. ” All of this is largely avoidable. and treatable with access to high-quality and respectful healthcare,” the report said.

According to research, a third of women lack half of the recommended eight prenatal tests. Furthermore, 270 million do not have access to family planning methods. Disparities in income, education, race or ethnicity also increase the risk of death. “Marginalized pregnant women have less access to essential maternity care, but are more likely to experience underlying health problems during pregnancy,” says WHO.

Primary health care could ensure access to essential delivery services, antenatal and postnatal care, childhood vaccinations, nutrition and family planning. According to WHO, underfunding of health systems, lack of trained professionals and medical supplies threaten progress. “We have the tools, knowledge and resources to end preventable maternal deaths; what we need now is political will“Kane warned.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.