Safe motherhood is a right, not a privilege. Women have the right not to die needlessly during pregnancy or childbirth. Safe motherhood means ensuring that all women receive the care they need to be safe and healthy throughout pregnancy and childbirth. A woman’s right to safe motherhood is not only a right to health; it is a right to life.
Ensuring safe motherhood
Safe motherhood means ensuring that all women have access to the information and services they need to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth. It includes:
- Education on safe motherhood
- Prenatal care (care during pregnancy)
- Promotion of maternal nutrition
- Adequate delivery assistance in all cases
- Provisions for obstetric emergencies, including referral services for pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion complications
- Postnatal care (care after childbirth)
Some common social causes of maternal death
- Early marriage and pregnancy
- Repeated childbirth
- Anemia
- Lack of information about danger signs and symptoms
- Delay in referral
Symptoms during pregnancy
The following symptoms cause some discomfort and may indicate complications.
Symptoms indicating discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Increased frequency of urination
Symptoms indicating that complications may be arising
- Fever
- Vaginal discharge
- Passing smaller amounts of urine
- Vaginal bleeding
- Decreased or absent fetal movements
- Leaking of watery fluid per vagina (P/V)
Birth Preparedness
All pregnant women must be encouraged to opt for institutional delivery. Any complication can develop during delivery, complications are not always predictable, and they can cost the life of the mother and/or the baby.
A health facility has staff, equipment, supplies, and drugs available to provide the best care if needed. It even has a referral system should the need for a referral arise.