Most maternal deaths are
avoidable, as the healthcare solutions to prevent
or manage complications
are well known.
Improving access to
antenatal care in
pregnancy, skilled care
during childbirth, and care
and support in the weeks
after childbirth will reduce
maternal deaths
significantly. It is
particularly important that
all births be attended by
skilled health
professionals, as timely
management and
treatment can make the
difference between life
and death. To improve
maternal health, barriers
that limit access to quality
maternal health services
must be identified and
addressed at all levels of
the health system.
Recommendations for
reducing maternal
mortality include access to
health care, access to
family planning services,
and emergency obstetric
care, funding and
intrapartum care.
Reduction in unnecessary
obstetric surgery has also
been suggested.
Family planning
approaches include
avoiding pregnancy at too
young of an age or too old
of an age and spacing
births. Access to primary
care for women even
before they become
pregnant is essential along
with access to
contraceptives.
Policy
The biggest global policy
initiative for maternal
health came from the
United Nations'