Increase in maternal deaths and stillbirth due to COVID-19 

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.