1. Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
- Pre-existing conditions such as anemia, diabetes, hypertension, blood diseases, etc. which can increase risk for pregnancy and childbirth complications
- Exposure to harmful substances and lack of nutrition which may cause spontaneous abortions that can lead to infectionsÂ
- Work-related factors such as stress, straining, and accidents which can lead to high-risk preterm births
2. What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
Causes of Maternal Mortality (DOH, 2019)
- Eclampsia (16.0%)
- Gestational hypertension with significant proteinuria (14.7%)
- Abnormality of Forces of Labor (10.1%)
Causes of Maternal Morbidity
- Hemorrhage (31%)
- Infection (19%)
- Unsafe Abortion (16%)
Department of Health (2019). The 2019 Philippine Health Statistics [pdf]. Retrieved form https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/2019PHS_Final_092121.pdf