1. Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
It is unfortunate that the maternal mortality ratio in our country is still high. As mentioned in the presented data, the leading causes of maternal morbidity in the Philippines are: complications related to pregnancy, hypertension, hemorrhage, and unsafe abortion.
Beyond these, some other factors play a role in the high maternal death rate in our country. These are:
a. Underage pregnancy: Sex education has been a topic of conversation among conservative minds in the country. Despite the efforts of the Department of Education in integrating it to the curriculum, some percentages among the youth is still uneducated about sex. Many resort to unprotected sex and are not informed to the vast consequences that unprotected teenage sex entails. When a woman under the childbearing age becomes pregnant, the body is still not ready to bear a child since some parts and processes are still developing. This may lead to pregnancy complications and death since the body of a child under childbearing age may not be able sustain a growing child.
b. Inaccessible healthcare facilities: Many pregnant women in low-income areas in the country consider maternity check-ups as a privilege. Although there are many barangay health clinics where check-ups are free, many mothers still opt no to go in fear that they have no financial capacity to shoulder fees that they think is present. With this, mothers do not receive supplements to sustain them and the fetus during pregnancy. This may lead to complications and death.
c. Knowledge deficiency of pregnant women: Many mothers are not well-informed about the changes that their body will be going thru during pregnancy and about what actions to take to ensure a healthy pregnancy. This may be due to lack of education, inability to go to medical check ups and consult with a physician, or to be misinformed by superstitions. These affects the decision making process of a mother and may negatively play a role in pregnancy. This also leads to complications and even death .
2. What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
According to the data presented in the lecture, the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ration in the Philippines are (1) complications related to pregnancy at 38%, (2) hypertension at 35%, and (3) hemorrhage at 17%.
On the other hand, the top 3 causes of maternal morbidity are (1) hemorrhage at 31%, (2) infection at 19%, and (3) unsafe abortion at 16%.
The data mentioning (a) infection and (b) unsafe abortion are alarming since (a) infection can be prevented through competent care and (b) abortion is illegal in the Philippines. It is indeed unfortunate how a developing country like ours is still facing not just these saddening and alarming statistics but also is facing the reality that hundreds to thousands of women are not receiving any medical care that they and their baby need for optimal health and pregnancy.