The decision to have a baby is a momentous one, filled with excitement, hope, and anticipation. However, for millions of women across the globe, pregnancy poses a significant risk to their health, and in some cases, even their lives.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 830 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. While maternal mortality rates have declined in recent years, the risk of death for pregnant women remains high, especially for those living in low-income countries.

The Tripled Risk for Pregnant Women

While pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative experience, it is also a physically demanding one that places immense strain on a woman’s body. For some women, this strain can lead to complications that put their lives at risk.

There are many risk factors for maternal mortality, including pre-existing medical conditions, poor maternal health, malnutrition, and limited access to quality healthcare services. However, recent research suggests that one of the most significant risk factors for maternal mortality is age – specifically, being over the age of 35.

Age and the Risk of Maternal Mortality

In a study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, researchers analyzed data from over 50 million live births in the United States between 2007 and 2016.

They found that women over the age of 35 had approximately three times the risk of maternal mortality compared to women under the age of 35. The study also found that women over the age of 40 had a significantly higher risk of maternal mortality compared to younger women.

The Impact of Age on Pregnancy

Why does age increase the risk of maternal mortality? As women age, their bodies undergo a variety of changes that can impact their health during pregnancy.

For example, older women are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Additionally, older women are more likely to experience pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and placental disorders.

The Importance of Prenatal Care

While age may increase the risk of maternal mortality, it is important to note that these risks can be mitigated through proper prenatal care.

Prenatal care involves regular visits to a healthcare provider throughout pregnancy to monitor the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Prenatal care can help identify and manage potential complications before they become life-threatening.

The Importance of Access to Quality Healthcare

Unfortunately, not all women have access to quality prenatal care. In low-income countries, many women lack access to basic healthcare services, including prenatal care.

This lack of access can have dire consequences, as it increases the risk of maternal mortality and contributes to a cycle of poverty and poor health outcomes. Improving access to quality healthcare services is essential in reducing maternal mortality rates globally.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the challenges facing pregnant women.

According to a report from the United Nations, the pandemic could cause an additional 2 million maternal deaths over the next year if healthcare systems continue to be overwhelmed and women are unable to access basic healthcare services. The pandemic has also caused disruptions in the global supply chain, leading to shortages of essential medical supplies that are critical for safe delivery.

Conclusion

Pregnancy should be a joyous and transformative time, but for many women, it is a time of immense risk and uncertainty.

Age, access to quality healthcare, and the COVID-19 pandemic all pose significant challenges to reducing maternal mortality rates globally. However, there is hope. Through increased awareness, improved access to prenatal care, and targeted interventions, we can work towards a world where every woman, regardless of age or geography, has the opportunity to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.