- On a medical lens, the causes of maternal morbidity and mortality can range from conditions such as hemorrhage, infection, unsafe abortion; and complications, hypertension, and postpartum hemorrhage, respectively. However, on a socioeconomic view, several factors involving healthcare costs, societal barriers, plus the mobility impacts brought by the pandemic have undeniably made it harder for pregnant women to seek antenatal care. Maternal and fetal health programs are in place in the country; they exist to recognize pregnant women’s right to health helping them achieve positive pregnancy outcomes and full potential in maternal functioning. First, the National Safe Motherhood program where pregnant women are ensured to receive healthcare throughout the pregnancy until delivery. One way it is done is by mobilizing LGUs, Barangay health workers, and medical professionals to locally provide mothers with safe blood supply, behavior change interventions, and sustainable financing support. Another way is through monitoring, evaluating, and researching on maternal clinics, maternal mortalities, and on the implementation of the program as a whole. Second, a program the focuses on pregnant adolescents. The Social Protection Program for Teenage Mothers and their Children (SPPTMC) aims to develop interventions and program for pregnant teens in order to provide them with social protection. This also seeks to prevent teenage pregnancies and consequently prevent its impacts on the lives of adolescents nationwide.
- The following are my suggestions to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality in the country:
- Designate an area near health centers for daycares so mothers who find it difficult to find babysitters while they get prenatal check-ups can temporarily leave their other children in the daycare. This can be helpful for single parents, or homemakers with spouses leaving the house during the day to work. I must admit that an issue with this during the pandemic is the increased risk if infection among children especially if left unsupervised. With this, the next suggestion may be helpful;
- Set a communication platform within the community for all pregnant mothers where they can be connected with the local health centers. This way, schedules in clinic visits can be disseminated and monitored through a centralized network. This may also be an avenue for mothers to find recommended babysitters and find other support system as they interact with others for comfort and information in the journey of pregnancy. Another advantage this can bring is increase health-seeking behaviors since communications with medical professionals providing prenatal care are only a few taps away.
- Involving the Barangay and its officials in providing a teratogenic-free environment for pregnant women. This can be done by maintaining clean air through community cleaning and proper waste disposal, and other ways such as avoiding practices that foster growth of bacteria, virus, fungi, and vectors that can possibly bring infection to the mother.
References:
- Commission on Population and Development. (2021, June 9). DSWD, POPCOM team up to address teenage pregnancy in the country | Commission on Population and Development. POPCOM GovPH. https://popcom.gov.ph/dswd-popcom-team-up-to-address-teenage-pregnancy-in-the-country/
- Dy Recidoro, Z. (2012). National Safe Motherhood Program | Department of Health website. Doh.gov.ph. https://doh.gov.ph/national-safe-motherhood-program