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.
