We observe National Safe Motherhood Day annually on April 11 in order to raise awareness for resources available for care during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as postpartum. The main goals are to decrease the maternal mortality rates and improve medical care and services available to pregnant women and new mothers.
More than 800 women die daily from preventable causes from pregnancy and childbirth, per the World Health Organization.
In America, the Safe Motherhood Initiative began in 2001. The program began on a voluntary basis and was geared towards examining cases of hospital-based maternal deaths. The Initiative helped hospitals transition and undergo necessary protocol changes in order to improve patient safety. These changes also resulted in increased awareness of risk factors related to maternal deaths. Recognizing these risks and intervening quickly is the best way to prevent unnecessary maternal deaths. The four leading causes of maternal death are: maternal sepsis, obstetric hemorrhage, venous thromboembolism, and severe hypertension in pregnancy.
Things To Be Aware Of During Pregnancy
There are several early warning signs to remain aware of throughout pregnancy. During pregnancy, symptoms such as fever and chills, dizziness, lower abdominal pain, and increase in heart rate can be serious. Make your primary health care provider aware immediately if you experience any of these serious symptoms.
High blood pressure during pregnancy, also known as preeclampsia, can be very concerning and should be monitored closely with your health care provider. Signs of preeclampsia include swelling in face and hands, headache that doesn’t go away, vision problems, and trouble breathing.
It’s also important to pay attention to swelling and pain in legs and feet, as these are the most obvious signs of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins). Whether during pregnancy or following childbirth, if swelling in legs and feet doesn’t resolve with elevation or other suggestions from health care providers, let your doctor know immediately of your symptoms.
Skilled attendance at all births and access to quality health care are imperative to improving and encouraging safe motherhood.
Resources for Safe Motherhood in Alaska
If you, or someone you know, is in need of pregnancy resources in Alaska, visit helpinyourarea.com. For health and social services, childcare, financial services, and development and early learning resources for infants and children visit childcare.gov and search for Alaska resources. For resources for all individuals residing in Alaska seeking assistance with health care, visit Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Assistance for more information.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Information Source: American Academy of Family Physicians and The World Health Organization
Image Source: Adobe Stock
