Maternal Health: Global Trends, Risks & Prevention Strategies
Maternal health encompasses the well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Despite progress, about 260,000 women died in 2023 from preventable pregnancy-related causes worldwide—a death every two minutes. ([turn0search7])
Major Causes of Maternal Mortality
- Severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage)
- Hypertensive disorders such as pre‑eclampsia and eclampsia
- Infections including sepsis
- Unsafe abortion and obstructed labour
These direct obstetric causes account for roughly 75% of maternal deaths globally. ([turn0search12])
High-Risk Groups & Age Factors
- Teen pregnancies (under 20) are linked with higher risks of preterm birth, pre‑eclampsia, and postpartum hemorrhage.
- Advanced maternal age (35+) increases likelihood of complications like gestational diabetes, poor fetal growth, and stillbirth. ([turn0search4])
Global & India-Specific Statistics
Southern Asia saw around 43,000 maternal deaths in 2023—about 17% of global totals. ([turn0search7]) In India, the maternal mortality ratio fell from 254 per 100,000 births in 2004 to just 97 in 2018–20—the target SDG threshold is 70 by 2030. ([turn0search24])
Barriers to Quality Maternal Care
- Poor access due to distance, cost, and lack of transport.
- Lack of privacy, especially for women in underserved areas.
- Social barriers including low literacy, gender inequality, and stigma. ([turn0search5])
Prevention & Policy Approaches
- Early antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric services, and postpartum follow-up (EPMM global initiative target). ([turn0search1])
- India’s PMSMA and Janani Suraksha Yojana promote free, monthly prenatal visits and institutional births. ([turn0search9])
- Community-based education targeting women and partners increases awareness of danger signs in childbirth. ([turn0search21])
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3.1 calls for a reduction of the global maternal mortality ratio to under 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030—Initiatives like EPMM pave the way toward this goal. ([turn0search14])
Conclusion
Most maternal deaths are entirely preventable. Ensuring quality prenatal and perinatal care, improving access, educating communities, and addressing social determinants can dramatically reduce maternal mortality and improve outcomes globally.