Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
Each year, over 500,000 women and girls die due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth, most of whom come from developing countries like the Philippines. The leading causes of maternal mortality in the country are due to complications from delivery, hypertensive disorders, postpartum hemorrhages and unsafe abortions respectively. Other factors that affect maternal mortality in the Philippines are as follows:
Low socioeconomic status –Poverty has always been a major barrier to human development. In the case of the pregnant women, poverty prevents them from getting proper medical attention and other resources due to their inability to afford antenatal care.
Poor Nutrition – Malnutrition in a pregnant woman heightens the risk of maternal mortality as it may result in her experiencing stunted growth resulting in a small pelvis, physically blocking the baby during childbirth which is known obstructed labor, one of main causes of maternal mortality. Nutrient deficiencies also contribute to complications of pregnancy and childbirth like anemia, pre-eclampsia and hemorrhage.
Preference of traditional birthing attendants – Healthcare professionals performing the procedures and assisting in the birthing of mothers decrease the maternal mortality rates, however these professionals are involved in only 60% of births in the Philippines wherein other women prefer traditional birthing attendants who most likely have little to no formal training in assisting childbirth.
Teenage pregnancy – This is the leading cause of death for girls aged 19 and lower since their bodies are not yet matured enough to undergo pregnancy. As a result, they experience more complications during and after pregnancy which can add up to the maternal mortality rates.
Low level of contraceptive use – Since the Philippines is a conservative country under the influence of the church, the use of contraceptive methods is limited. This results in unplanned and unwanted pregnancies which will most likely proceed to an illegal and unsafe abortion, putting the mother at risk.
Top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines
1. Complications related to pregnancy
2. Pregnancy-related hypertension
3. Post-partum hemorrhage
Top 3 maternal morbidity
1. Hemorrhage
2. Infection
3. Unsafe abortion
References
Obaid, T. A. (2004, March 22). Health and the Links to Nutrition: Maternal Health is Key. Retrieved from United Nations Population Fund: https://www.unfpa.org/press/health-and-links-nutrition-maternal-health-key
Rau, A. (2015, June 18). Maternal Mortality in the Philippines. Retrieved from The Borgen Project: https://borgenproject.org/maternal-mortality-philippines/
Ross, J., Campbell, O., & Bulatao, R. (2001). The Maternal and Neonatal Programme Effort Index (MNPI). Tropical Medicine & International Health.