Between 2000 and 2017, the global maternal mortality rate decreased to a third. But according to the World Health Organization, approximately 800 women die daily because of high pregnancy risks and childbirth-related complications. A woman’s health matters a lot to herself, her children and spouse, and the community throughout her lifespan. Unfortunately, many women overlook their health, especially during and after pregnancy. As a result, they end up with various health ailments that often leads to hospitalization. So whether you’re a new mom or you’ve had multiple children, self-care should be a top priority. This step entails regular checkups, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. Healthcare experts also recommend learning which natural health supplements are beneficial if your body can’t absorb organic nutrients efficiently. Read on to learn more steps for improving maternal health.
Empowering Women Through Education
Providing unlimited access to healthcare information can make motherhood safer. Educating women, especially those in rural areas, help them delay early marriage and first birth. That way, women and young girls are psychologically, physically, and financially prepared to become healthy mothers. Therefore, women of all ages should access information about women’s health and contraceptive services.
Empowering women through health education also helps them claim their sexual reproductive health rights. This includes paying more attention to vaccines during pregnancy and after childbirth and seeking medical attention immediately when they feel sick. Educated women can also escape the poverty trap and gender inequity and protect themselves from cultural practices that interfere with their health.
Improve Access To Quality Healthcare Services
Women are prone to chronic health disorders like cervical cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and autoimmune diseases, such as skin irritation and vertigo. Pre-existing conditions like heart diseases and diabetes worsen during pregnancy and often put the life of mother and child at risk. So, it’s crucial to ensure expectant mothers have access to healthcare centers with adequate supplies and skilled healthcare personnel.
Solving healthcare access issues reduces the rate of maternal deaths significantly. For example, having skilled healthcare practitioners attend childbirths helps prevent birth injuries like brachial plexus, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. It’s worth noting that coping with these injuries can be stressful for any mother. Typically, it involves filing a medical malpractice claim, meaning one must seek the services of a cerebral palsy attorney. Leveraging the expertise of an experienced lawyer helps you seek fair justice for your child and compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, and therapy. Nonetheless, it’s vital to access high-quality healthcare services to avoid childbirth complications.
Mitigate Social And Cultural Factors Affecting Women’s Health
Biology is the primary factor affecting maternal health, but social and cultural aspects also significantly impact women’s health. Some obstacles preventing women from accessing quality healthcare include gender inequity, diseases unique to females, poverty, and family responsibilities. To improve maternal healthcare, governments should promote gender equality. This move ensures women access affordable medical care services with ease like their male counterparts. Furthermore, governments should fund research focused on finding treatment for diseases unique to females.
Women, especially mothers, are the cornerstone of the well-being of children, families, and communities. Sadly, maternal health is often overlooked, resulting in high mortality rates during pregnancy and after childbirth. Fortunately, governments and healthcare providers can enhance maternal health by providing access to information. Most importantly, streamline access to quality medical care services, and eliminate social and cultural barriers to better women’s health.
