Effective Antenatal Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Newborn Mortality
Posted on
A recent study published in PLOS One reviews the current state of evidence on a number of antenatal interventions designed to reduce adverse maternal and newborn health outcomes. The authors analyze 21 types of interventions that fall into three categories: nutrition, infection and obstetrical/other…read more
Pre-eclampsia Education for All Moms: Strategies for Improving Pregnancy Outcomes
Posted on
Research strongly suggests that maternal deaths due to pre-eclampsia/eclampsia are almost entirely preventable with timely and effective care, including the administration of antihypertensive medications to control blood pressure, magnesium sulfate to prevent eclampsia (seizures), and eventual delivery of the newborn. However, a patient’s lack of understanding of the signs and symptoms of the disease can impact her likelihood of seeking timely care. Recent research from the analysis of state-level maternal mortality by the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative emphasizes that patient understanding of symptoms and the severity of the disease is crucial for improving outcomes and preventing maternal death…read more
The burden of maternal morbidity and mortality attributable to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: A prospective cohort study from Uganda
Posted onThe Current State of Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia Prevention and Treatment
Posted on
In Kenya and Nigeria, hypertensive disorders such as pre-eclampsia/eclampsia are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths. In Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ethiopia, hypertensive disorders are among the top three causes. But despite the high fatality rate, deaths from pre-eclampsia/eclampsia are entirely preventable. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing mortality due to pre-eclampsia/eclampsia…read more
Community Perceptions of Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia in Four Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Posted on
Reproductive Health recently published a series of research articles describing community perceptions of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in four low- and middle-income countries: India, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Each study was conducted between 2011 and 2014 using qualitative methods. Participants in these communities used different terminology to describe symptoms of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, often separating hypertension during pregnancy from seizures during pregnancy. However, participants from each of these communities displayed a basic understanding of the dangers of these conditions, acknowledging that they can lead to death of the mother or newborn…read more