äitiyskuolleisuudelle

Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes. This is a critical indicator of a nation's health system and overall well-being.

Rates of maternal mortality vary significantly across the globe. Developed countries generally have very low rates due to access to quality healthcare, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care. In contrast, many low-income countries face much higher rates, often linked to poverty, lack of access to healthcare facilities, inadequate training of healthcare providers, and prevalence of preventable complications.

The primary causes of maternal death are often preventable or treatable. These include severe bleeding (hemorrhage), infections, high blood pressure during pregnancy (eclampsia), complications from delivery, and unsafe abortion. Efforts to reduce maternal mortality focus on improving access to family planning services, skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth, emergency obstetric care, and postpartum care.

Tracking maternal mortality is essential for understanding the effectiveness of maternal health programs and identifying areas that require more attention and resources. International organizations and national governments work together to collect data and implement strategies aimed at achieving significant reductions in maternal deaths worldwide.