Reasons Why Some Women Die During Pregnancy And Childbirth And How To Prevent It

Pregnancy and childbirth are meant to be joyful experiences, but for some women, they come with life-threatening risks. Sadly, many women lose their lives during pregnancy or childbirth—often from causes that could have been prevented with better care and support.

Here are some major reasons for maternal deaths and what can be done to prevent them:

1. Lack of Access to Quality Healthcare

In many areas, especially rural or low-income regions, pregnant women struggle to get proper medical care. Poor access to clinics, long travel distances, and financial challenges often mean complications go untreated.

Prevention: Make healthcare more available and affordable. Regular checkups, skilled birth attendants, and emergency care save lives.

2. Dangerous Pregnancy Complications

Issues like severe bleeding, high blood pressure (preeclampsia), infections, and labor that lasts too long can quickly turn deadly if not handled right away.

Prevention: Early detection through prenatal care, quick access to emergency services, and trained professionals during delivery.

3. Poor Family Planning and Spacing

Having babies too close together, too young, or at a later age increases risks for both mothers and babies.

Prevention: Educate women on family planning. Access to contraception and information empowers them to decide when and how often to have children.

4. Cultural and Social Challenges

Early marriages, poverty, lack of education, and harmful traditions (like FGM) all contribute to poor maternal health outcomes.

Prevention: Raise awareness, promote girls’ education, and fight cultural practices that endanger women’s health.

5. Weak Health Systems

Some health facilities lack trained staff, lifesaving equipment, or fast referral systems for emergencies—delays that can cost lives.

Prevention: Governments and NGOs must invest in better health infrastructure, emergency transport, and more trained workers.

How to Prevent Maternal Deaths

Support early and regular antenatal care

Ensure skilled medical workers are available during delivery

Educate communities about reproductive health and danger signs

Promote family planning and proper pregnancy spacing