Between 2000 and 2017, data shows that maternal mortality worldwide declined by more than a third. However, according to the World Health Organization, over 800 women die every day because of pregnancy risks and childbirth complications. Women are the cornerstone of the family’s overall well-being. That’s why ensuring they have access to quality healthcare is key to improving the health of children, families, and communities. But too often, women neglect their health needs and focus on the health care of their children and partners, and this can take a toll on their wellbeing.
To stay in peak condition, mothers should prioritize self-care. This includes going for health tests regularly, exercising, eating healthy diets, and staying hydrated by drinking healthy water during pregnancy. Keep reading to understand everything about maternal health and ways to improve it.
Social And Cultural Aspects Affecting Women’s Health
Female health is affected dramatically by biology, but cultural and social conditions like employment, poverty and family responsibilities significantly impact women’s health. For centuries, women have been at a disadvantage when it comes to social and economic privileges, resulting in limited access to basic needs, including quality healthcare. Aside from gender inequity, disease processes that remain unique to women create obstacles in providing accessible healthcare.
Women’s Health Problems
Common health issues that affect women include breast cancer, depression and anxiety, pregnancy issues, cervical cancer, and autoimmune diseases like vertigo and skin irritation. Note that pre-existing conditions like diabetes and heart diseases worsen during pregnancy, threatening the life of mother and child if not properly managed.
However, in some cases, women and newborns experience birth-related health complications due to medical negligence. Medical malpractice during childbirth often results in cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and paralysis. Coping with these health issues is hard for any woman because it involves filing a personal injury claim against healthcare practitioners. For instance, if your child has cerebral palsy that resulted due to negligence on the part of your doctor, you’ll have to consult cerebral palsy lawyers. That way, you can seek fair justice for your child and receive compensation for medication, therapy, and long-term care.
Ways To Enhance Maternal Health
One of the best ways to improve maternal health is addressing issues that revolve around women’s reproductive health, malnutrition, maternal deaths, and non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, governments should provide quality and affordable healthcare services to women under universal health coverage. Most importantly, women should be empowered to prioritize their health needs.
Women play a significant role in the well-being of their families and their communities. Unfortunately, they don’t receive the same healthcare their male counterparts enjoy. To ensure women have access to quality care, understanding factors affecting maternal health is critical. Equally important, healthcare service providers should learn more about women’s health issues and empower women to care for themselves.