Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
Other than the health care received by the pregnant woman before, during, and after birth, the following conditions increases the risk of maternal mortality rate: existing health conditions (such as anemia, diabetes, malaria, sexually transmitted infections) pregnancy-related conditions (such as ectopic pregnancy, embolism, and anesthesia-related risks), maternal age, and lifestyle habits. The complications brought by these conditions prove significance of having skilled physician/midwife to assist the pregnant women during labor and delivery. Particularly, maternal age affects the woman’s capability to undergo labor and delivery. If the pregnant woman is of age 18 years or younger, her body is still developing and growing, putting both the mother and the baby at risk.
What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
In 2010, the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines are complications related to pregnancy occurring in the course of labor, delivery and puerperium; hypertension complicating pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium; and postpartum hemorrhage while the top 3 maternal morbidity are hemorrhage, infection, and unsafe abortion.
References:
Department of Health. (2013, December 9). Maternal deaths by main cause: Department of health website. Maternal Deaths By Main Cause | Department of Health website. Retrieved April 1, 2022, from https://doh.gov.ph/Statistics/Maternal-Deaths-By-Main-Cause
POLICY Project. Maternal and neonatal program effort index: the Philippines. Glastonbury; n.d. (http://www.policyproject.com/pubs/mnpi/philippines_mnpi.pdf)