Increase in maternal deaths and stillbirth due to COVID-19 

  • IASbaba
  • April 3, 2021
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Increase in maternal deaths and stillbirth due to COVID-19 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS – II – Health 

In news

  • According to a study published in The Lancet Global Health journal, the failure of the health system to cope with COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in maternal deaths and stillbirths, 

Key takeaways 

  • Overall, there was a 28% increase in the odds of stillbirth. 
  • The risk of mothers dying during pregnancy or childbirth increased by about one-third.
  • There was also a rise in maternal depression.
  • COVID-19 impact on pregnancy outcomes was disproportionately high on poorer countries.
  • The report is an analysis of 40 studies across 17 countries
  • Inefficiency of the healthcare system instead of strict lockdown measures resulted in reduced access to care. 

Do you know? 

  • In India, during the months of national lockdown between April and June 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, there was a 27% drop in pregnant women receiving four or more ante-natal check-ups, a 28% decline in institutional deliveries and 22% decline in prenatal services.

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