UPSC Articles
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.
