When I first found out I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed with excitement but also consumed by worry. Like so many new mothers, I was terrified of the risks, the possible complications, and not having the support I needed. That’s why this World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April, 2025, feels so important to me. This annual day, which marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization, is a global effort to raise awareness about key public health issues. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” focuses on improving health care for mothers and newborns. It calls on governments and healthcare providers to take action against preventable deaths of mothers and newborns while also supporting women’s long-term health. It’s a vital step in ensuring every mother and baby gets the safe, healthy start they deserve.
Some shocking statistics
- Every seven seconds, a mother or infant dies, with 300,000 mothers and over 4 million newborns or stillbirths dying every year, even though many of these deaths could have been prevented. Most of these cases are in low-income countries, and in conflict zones where healthcare for mothers and newborns is severely lacking.
- Newborns face the highest risk of survival during their first month, with 2.3 million babies losing their lives in 2022.
- In 2022, almost half of all deaths in children under five happened within the first 28 days of life.
- Most countries are struggling to meet UN goals for reducing maternal deaths, and many are also falling behind in improving newborn survival rates.
- Climate change and humanitarian crises are making it harder to protect mother and newborn’s health worldwide.
What are the main causes of maternal and infant deaths?
Severe bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage, infections, and blood pressure disorders like preeclampsia, are the top causes of maternal deaths worldwide. In 2020, these conditions led to about 80,000 and 50,000 deaths, respectively. This highlights that many women still do not have access to the treatments and care they need to stay safe during and after pregnancy. 
Other conditions like HIV/AIDS, malaria, anemia, and diabetes can make it more dangerous for mothers and newborns, especially when they are not diagnosed or treated in time. These health issues put millions of women at higher risk during pregnancy and childbirth.
The primary causes of neonatal deaths are preterm birth, complications during delivery such as asphyxia or trauma, infections in newborns, and congenital abnormalities.
How can mother and newborn deaths be reduced?
The information above shows that improving mother and newborn care is essential. This includes better antenatal care to catch risks early in pregnancy and prevent serious problems, as well as lifesaving treatments for emergencies during childbirth, like heavy bleeding or other complications. Postnatal care is also crucial, as most maternal deaths happen during or shortly after childbirth.
Improving survival rates and health for newborns requires better quality care and access to reliable health services. They should be kept warm, such as through skin-to-skin contact with their mother, and their umbilical cord and skin should be kept clean to prevent infections. Babies should also be checked for any serious health issues or special needs, like being underweight, sick, or having an HIV-positive mother. Preventive treatments, including vaccines like BCG and Hepatitis B, vitamin K, and eye care, are also essential to protect their health.
Families are encouraged to take their baby to a doctor right away if they notice any warning signs of illness in their baby. These signs include trouble feeding, low energy, trouble breathing, fever, seizures, or if the baby feels cold. They should also make sure to register the baby’s birth and follow the recommended vaccination schedule.
Sadly, about one-third of women, especially in low-income countries, don’t get the necessary health for themselves or their infants in the days following birth. On a larger scale, efforts to prevent health issues like malnutrition and chronic diseases could lower the risks for pregnant women. Taking a more complete approach to maternal health has been shown to improve the chances of having a safe pregnancy and delivery, as well as a good quality of life afterward. To achieve this, health systems need to provide support for women at all stages of their pregnancies.
What can I do if I’m pregnant and worried?
Pregnant women who have the symptoms or experiences mentioned in this article could have serious health issues that need quick medical care. If they notice any of the signs listed, they should contact their midwife, doctor, or maternity hospital right away. People should call 911 if they are seriously worried about their health, their baby’s health, or if they go into labor earlier than expected and it’s not close to their due date.
Signs of serious health problems in pregnancy
If someone notices fluid leaking from their vagina, unusual or smelly discharge, or vaginal bleeding, it could be a concern. They might feel pain, discomfort, or burning while urinating. Experiencing shortness of breath, even while resting, or chest pain and trouble breathing could also be warning signs. Severe pain or cramps in the stomach, back, or under the ribs shouldn’t be ignored. Injuries to the stomach area, like from a fall, car accident, or physical trauma, may need medical attention. If a baby’s movements change, stop, or become less frequent, seek help immediately.
A person might experience a sudden or very bad headache that doesn’t go away or keeps getting worse. They could feel dizzy or even faint. There may be sudden changes in their vision, like blurry vision or flashes of light. They might feel confused or have trouble focusing or thinking clearly.
Other signs to watch for include severe swelling in the face, hands, or feet that appears quickly, or swelling and pain in one or both legs that gets worse. Intense itching on the palms or soles of the feet could also happen. Additional symptoms may include severe nausea and vomiting, a fever of 100.4°F or higher, chills, or even a seizure.
Can I avoid serious health problems during pregnancy?
Pregnancy health problems can’t always be prevented, but there are some things that can be done to help reduce the risk of serious issues or keep existing problems from worsening. Attending antenatal appointments and sharing any symptoms or concerns with a midwife or doctor as soon as possible is essential. Early communication allows for quicker care and better outcomes. While most pregnancy health concerns are usually mild or common, some may require medical attention, and the sooner they are identified, the better.
What supplements should I take during pregnancy?
Doctors often recommend supplementation for a healthy pregnancy. While a medical practitioner will select these supplements on a case by case basis, some of the more common and their uses include:
- Pregnancy multivitamins: This supplement provides a daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals specifically tailored for the needs of pregnant women. These can include folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats are needed for fetal brain development and reducing the risk of preterm birth. They can be found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed, but supplements can also be taken to ensure an adequate intake.
- Folic Acid: Helps prevent birth defects and promotes proper growth and development of the baby.
- Iron: Essential for red blood cell production in both the mother and baby.
- Calcium: Important for bone development in the baby and to maintain strong bones in the mother.
- Vitamin D: Aids in calcium absorption and supports immune function.
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients can also help support a healthy pregnancy. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products can provide necessary vitamins and minerals for both mother and baby. Staying hydrated is also important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is high-risk maternal health?
A high-risk pregnancy happens when there’s a greater chance of problems for the mother or baby. These risks can come from health issues during pregnancy or conditions the mother already has, like diabetes, lupus, or cancer.
What is the riskiest week of pregnancy?
Approximately 80% of pregnancy losses happen in the first trimester, most often before the 10-week mark. This early stage of pregnancy typically spans about three months, commonly defined as weeks 1–12, though some medical professionals extend it to week 14. After 12 weeks of pregnancy, the likelihood of miscarriage generally drops significantly.
What activities lead to miscarriage?
Problems with the uterus or a weak cervix (called cervical insufficiency) can raise the risk of miscarriage. Smoking, drinking alcohol, too much caffeine, or using illegal drugs can also increase the risk. Smokers are more likely to have a miscarriage than non-smokers, and drinking a lot of alcohol or caffeine adds to the risk.
What is the most common cause of death in newborns?
In the United States, infant mortality is commonly linked to causes such as birth defects, premature birth, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), complications during pregnancy, and respiratory distress syndrome.
