Maternal health includes comprehensive care and well-being for women during preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, significantly affecting both maternal and infant outcomes. Globally, about 295,000 women die each year due to pregnancy and childbirth complications, with 94% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. This highlights the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare services and access to quality medical care [1, 2].
Maternal health is crucial not only for mothers but also for families and communities, influencing social and economic stability. Preconception care aims to improve women's health before pregnancy by identifying and addressing biological, medical, behavioral, and social risks that could negatively impact pregnancy outcomes [1, 3]. Effective pregnancy planning, including optimal intervals between pregnancies and fertility awareness, is vital to promoting healthier pregnancies [4].
During pregnancy, careful monitoring and active management of potential complications are critical for protecting maternal and infant health. Conditions such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes require vigilant attention and management [5-7].
Childbirth presents numerous challenges, and the choice of birth setting – whether at home, a birthing center, or a hospital – can significantly affect maternal and neonatal safety [8]. Skilled healthcare providers play a crucial role in managing complications like postpartum hemorrhage, which continues to be a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide [7].
Postpartum care is essential for supporting new mothers' physical and emotional recovery. Care includes managing physical injuries and addressing mental health challenges, such as postpartum depression [9, 10].
Integrated approaches that combine family planning, education, and healthcare access are critical for improving maternal health outcomes. This is especially important in marginalized communities facing persistent disparities due to socio-economic factors, limited healthcare availability, and insufficient healthcare access [2]. A holistic understanding of maternal health is vital for developing effective interventions, leading to healthier mothers and babies and enhancing overall community well-being.
[1] Johnson, K., Posner, S.F., Biermann, J. et al. (2006). A Report of the CDC/ATSDR Preconception Care Work Group and the Select Panel on Preconception Care. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Perception CDC 55(RR06);1-13. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5506a1.htm
[2] Bitewulign, B., Abdissa, D., Mulissa, Z. et al. (2021). Using the WHO safe childbirth checklist to improve essential care delivery as part of the district-wide maternal and newborn health quality improvement initiative, a time series study. BMC Health Serv Res. 21, 821. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06781-x
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021, June 24). What should you eat when you’re on a gestational diabetes diet plan?. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-should-you-eat-when-youre-on-a-gestational-diabetes-diet-plan
[4] LibreTexts. (2024, October 29). 3.6 Preconceptional Care. In: Maternal – Newborn Nursing. https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Nursing/Maternal-Newborn_Nursing_(OpenStax)/03%3A_Health_Promotion_Disease_and_Injury_Prevention_and_Well-Person_Care/3.06%3A_Preconceptual_Care
[5] Sutcliffe, K., Caird, J., Kavanagh, J., Rees, R., Oliver, K., Dickson, K., Woodman, J., Barnett-Paige, E., Thomas, J. (2012). Comparing midwife-led and doctor-led maternity care: a systematic review of reviews. J Adv Nurs. 68(11):2376-2386. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.05998.x
[6] Bazirete, O., Hughes, K., Lopes, S.C. et al. (2023). Midwife-led birthing centres in four countries: a case study. BMC Health Serv Res 23, 1105. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10125-2
[7] World Health Organization. (n.d.) Strengthening quality midwifery for all mothers and newborns. Retrieved January 17, 2025. From https://www.who.int/activities/strengthening-quality-midwifery-for-all-mothers-and-newborns
[8] Moldenhauer, J.S. (2024). Introduction to Complications of Labor and Delivery. Merck Manual. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/complications-of-labor-and-delivery/introduction-to-complications-of-labor-and-delivery
[9] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Pregnancy Complications. Retrieved January 17, 2025. From https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/complications-of-pregnancy
[10] Moldenhauer, J.S. (2024). Management of Normal Labor. Merck Manual. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/labor-and-delivery/management-of-normal-labor
GFCNI is the first global organization and network to unite patients, families, healthcare professionals,
medical staff, and scientists from different disciplines, fields,
and countries – all with the joint goal of advancing the health and quality of care for newborns and their families across the globe.
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