Maternal health is a critical public health issue, significantly affecting outcomes for mothers and children. Each year, approximately 295,000 women worldwide die from pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications, with 94% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries [1, 2]. This statistic highlights the urgent global need to improve maternal health services.

Despite healthcare advancements, many countries, especially in middle-income regions, continue to adopt risk-based maternity care practices that treat all pregnancies as potentially high-risk. This medicalized approach has resulted in excessively high intervention rates, with caesarean sections surpassing 50% in certain private healthcare environments [3]. Although this strategy may reduce short-term maternal and neonatal mortality, it raises long-term concerns about women’s health, healthcare expenses, and the diversion of resources away from those most in need [3].

Various social, economic, and cultural factors significantly impact maternal health outcomes. Women in poverty or marginalized communities frequently experience poorer health outcomes due to limited healthcare access, malnutrition, and substandard living conditions [2]. Traditional birthing practices within certain cultures can unintentionally endanger mothers and infants, such as the use of unsterilized instruments or untrained birth attendants [2]. Additionally, pre-existing medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS significantly influence maternal health and access to skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth [2].

Improving maternal health effectively requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates quality healthcare access, family planning services, and education about healthy pregnancy practices [2]. Community empowerment through education on timely medical interventions and addressing potentially harmful traditional practices can enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. Additionally, increased access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care is essential for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality [2, 4].

Addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is critical to reducing health disparities among pregnant women. Factors like socio-economic status, environmental exposure, and healthcare accessibility significantly impact pregnancy outcomes [5]. Women from low-income minority backgrounds often experience higher risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions promoting health equity and addressing systemic inequalities [1, 5].

Community-based interventions and targeted policies aimed at enhancing maternal health must encourage healthier behaviors and better healthcare access. Implementing such interventions requires collaborative efforts involving local communities, stakeholders, and policymakers. By adopting multifaceted and culturally appropriate approaches, maternal healthcare can improve substantially, leading to safer pregnancies and better outcomes for mothers and children globally [1, 6, 7].