Description:
In this episode of MSF Pulse, we examine five of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide and how MSF is working to provide access to free, life-saving medical care for mothers and children.

Script:
Every day about 800 mothers die around the world from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. With proper medical care, most pregnancy complications and deaths are preventable. However, many mothers do not have access to the medical care they need.

The vast majority of pregnancy-related deaths are caused by one of these five pregnancy complications.

[Together they account for nearly 75% of all maternal deaths.]

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[Postpartum Haemorrhage]

During a complicated delivery a woman can lose huge quantities of blood very quickly, which could cause her to bleed to death.

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[Reproductive tract infections (RTIs)]

In unsanitary living conditions a woman is at risk of contracting an infection during her pregnancy

or during delivery, which if left untreated can be fatal.

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[ Eclampsia]

[Some eclampsia symptoms include convulsions, swelling, headaches and changes in vision.]

Eclampsia is a life-threatening condition where a mother has extremely high blood pressure which can lead to seizures causing her death.

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[Complications from delivery]

An obstructed labour can occur if a baby’s head is too big or if it's in a difficult position.

It can also happen if a mother is very young or is malnourished.

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[ Unsafe abortions ]

[The World Health Organization estimates 22 million unsafe abortions take place each year.]

Unsafe abortions can cause life-threatening complications including severe bleeding and infections.

It is the only leading cause of maternal death that is completely preventable through proper medical care.

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Standard medical care that are available in many wealthy countries can prevent maternal deaths from these pregnancy-related complications.

That's why, every day, our midwives, doctors and nurses are helping to save lives in places where mothers can't otherwise get access to free life-saving medical care.

To learn more about our work in maternal health follow the link in the description.

Keywords:
pregnancy related deaths, pregnancy complications, portpartum, reproductive tract infections, eclampsia, treating mothers, delivery complications, unsafe abortions, treating prgnant women, midwives, low access to maternal care, maternal health