Maternal health is very important for expectant mothers in the antenatal and postnatal stages. All expectant mothers must learn the importance of maternal health to have a successful ` pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal health awareness help to prevent injuries and deaths and create awareness of the causes of diseases during pregnancy and after childbirth and how mothers can prevent them.

In this blog, we have gathered information about maternal health that will help you as a nursing student to help expectant mothers. We have broadly explained what maternal health is and the main components of maternal care. Therefore, let’s get started and learn more about the benefits of maternal health and the issues that come along with maternal health.

What is the meaning of maternal health?

Maternal health refers to women’s physical, mental, and social well-being during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. It encompasses the health of the mother, the fetus, and the newborn. Maternal health is crucial because it directly impacts the health and survival of the mother and the child; it is also important for achieving sustainable development goals related to maternal and child health, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

Maternal health is affected by various factors, such as access to quality healthcare, nutrition, education, and socioeconomic status. Maternal mortality, which is the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of delivery, is a key indicator of maternal health. According to the World Health Organization, women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every day, and 99% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Components of maternal health

What are the 3 components of maternal care? This is a question that every nursing practitioner or student, or expectant mother needs to understand. Below are the three main components of maternal care;

• Antenatal care

 This is the care provided to pregnant women before they give birth. Antenatal care includes regular check-ups to monitor the mother and fetus’s health and provide education and counseling on nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding, and other aspects of prenatal care. The goal of antenatal care is to identify and manage any potential health issues that may arise during pregnancy and to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.

• Intrapartum care

This is the care provided to women during labor and delivery. Intrapartum care involves monitoring the progress of labor, providing pain relief, and ensuring a safe and healthy delivery for both the mother and baby. Intrapartum care may include assisted delivery or cesarean section interventions if needed.

• Postnatal care

 This is the care provided to women after they give birth. Postnatal care includes monitoring the health of the mother and baby, providing support with breastfeeding and newborn care, and identifying and managing any health issues that may arise during the postpartum period. Postnatal care aims to promote the health and well-being of both the mother and baby in the weeks and months following delivery.

Maternal health issues

What are maternal health issues? This is a very controversial question that many people need to get the answers to and intervene in ways to prevent negative maternal health issues. This article will look at the common maternal health issues in detail.

One of the primary causes of maternal health issues is inadequate access to healthcare. This includes lacking healthcare facilities, skilled providers, and essential medications and equipment. In many parts of the world, women give birth at home without access to skilled birth attendants, increasing the risk of complications and death during childbirth; below are the major maternal health issues faced worldwide:

• Maternal Mortality

The number of maternal deaths that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum is a significant indicator of maternal health. Globally, over 800 women die daily due to preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.

• Obstetric Fistula

An obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that can occur during prolonged and obstructed labor. It is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, resulting in continuous leakage of urine or feces. Women who develop obstetric fistula often suffer from social isolation and stigma and may require surgical intervention to repair the injury.

• Postpartum Hemorrhage

 Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a severe complication when a woman experiences significant bleeding after childbirth. PPH is a leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for approximately one-third of all maternal deaths.

• Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia

 Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are hypertensive disorders that can occur during pregnancy. They can cause severe complications for the mother and the baby, including seizures, organ failure, and death.

• Maternal Mental Health

Mental health issues during pregnancy and the postpartum period are common and can have significant implications for the mother’s and baby’s health and well-being. Depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis are the most common maternal mental health issues.

Factors affecting maternal health

Which factors affect maternal health? Today, many factors affect maternal health. Below  are some of the most common factors that are affecting maternal health; and they include the following:

• Access to healthcare

Adequate and timely access to healthcare is essential for maintaining maternal health. This includes prenatal care, skilled attendance at delivery, and postpartum care.

• Nutritional status

Proper nutrition is critical for both the mother and the developing fetus. A lack of essential nutrients can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

• Maternal age

 The risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth increases with age. Teenage and older mothers are at a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications.

• Pre-existing health conditions

 Women with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease are at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

• The socioeconomic status

Poverty, lack of education, and limited access to resources can all harm maternal health.

• Cultural and social factors

Cultural practices, beliefs, and social norms can impact maternal health, including attitudes toward childbirth, family planning, and gender roles.

• Environmental factors

Exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants can impact maternal health and fetal development.

• Lifestyle factors

Smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact maternal health.

• Access to family planning

The ability to plan and space pregnancies can help improve maternal health outcomes by reducing the risk of complications associated with closely spaced or unplanned pregnancies.

What are the leading causes of maternal mortality?

Maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman within 42 days after the end of pregnancy related to maternal health. How does maternal health affect child growth and development? The following are some leading causes of maternal mortality:

1. Hemorrhage

 This is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. It can occur during childbirth or after delivery and is usually caused by a failure of the uterus to contract or by trauma during delivery.

2. Infections

Infections such as sepsis, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia can develop during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

3. Hypertensive disorders

 High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause complications such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome, leading to organ failure and maternal death.

4. Unsafe abortion

When women seek unsafe abortion services, they risk their lives and health and can suffer complications such as hemorrhage, sepsis, and organ damage.

5. Obstructed labor

 When the baby cannot pass through the birth canal due to its size or position, it can cause prolonged labor and maternal complications such as bleeding and infection.

6. Embolism

Blood clots can form in the veins of the legs during pregnancy and can travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.

7. Anemia

 Iron deficiency anemia is a common complication of pregnancy that can lead to maternal death due to its effects on blood clotting and oxygen transport.

8. Pre-existing medical conditions

 Women with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of maternal mortality if their conditions are not well managed during pregnancy.

9. Poor access to quality maternal healthcare

 Lack of access to skilled health care providers, essential medicines, and emergency obstetric care can contribute to maternal mortality.

What is the importance of maternal and child health nursing

What are the objectives of maternal health and child health? This article will discuss the purpose or importance of maternal and child health nursing. The following are some of the objectives of maternal and child health nursing;

• Improved maternal and child health outcomes

 Maternal and child health nursing helps to improve the health outcomes of both mothers and their children. This includes reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, preventing infant and child mortality, and promoting healthy child development.

• Increased access to healthcare

Maternal and child health nursing provides access to healthcare for mothers and children who might otherwise have limited access. This is particularly important in underserved communities and rural areas where access to healthcare is often limited.

• Health education and promotion

Maternal and child health nursing provides health education and promotion to mothers and families, helping them to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their children. This includes information about healthy nutrition, immunizations, and child development.

• Disease prevention

 Maternal and child health nursing plays a crucial role in disease prevention, including the prevention of infectious diseases like measles, rubella, and tetanus. This helps reduce the disease burden on mothers, children, and society.

• Family-centered care

 Maternal and child health nursing provides family-centered care, considering each family’s unique needs and circumstances. This includes recognizing cultural beliefs and practices that may impact healthcare decisions.

• Improved healthcare quality

Maternal and child health nursing helps improve healthcare quality by providing evidence-based care and promoting best practices. This includes implementing protocols for routine screenings, assessments, and interventions.

• Cost savings

 Maternal and child health nursing can save costs by preventing complications and reducing hospitalizations. This is particularly important in low-resource settings where healthcare resources are limited.

Summing up

Maternal health is essential to both the mother and the child. It helps to determine any disease or condition that may affect the growth and development of a child. Visit our online platform onlinenursingexams.com to learn more.