Maternal health focuses on the health and well-being of pregnant women, notably throughout pregnancy, at the time of childbirth, and during childrearing. Due to the rise in issues concerning mothers and their children, the subject is becoming common in universities and colleges. If you are interested in the area, you can specialize in it.

What is maternal health?

Maternal health refers to a woman’s health while pregnant, during childbirth, and during breastfeeding. In most circumstances, a mother’s health involves access to contraception, prenatal, preconception, and postnatal care to ensure a good and satisfying experience. In other instances, maternal health can lower mortality and morbidity among mothers.

What are the three components of maternal care?

Maternal care is composed of three major components. These include;

1. Family planning
2. Maternal health
3. Child health

Which Factors affect maternal health

1. Access to health care and poverty

According to a United Nations report, variables like social and socioeconomic background, customs and principles of culture, and geographic isolation all contribute to a rise in maternal deaths. In northern America, the risk of maternal death is 175, significantly greater than in advanced countries, and the risk of pregnancy-related diseases and unfavorable outcomes after birth is even greater.   The consequences for the child, the mother’s health, and poverty are interrelated.

Women who live in areas of extreme poverty are likely to be obese, participate in harmful habits like smoking and using drugs, have less exposure to or don’t use prenatal care at all, and are at a far higher risk of both mother and child suffering adverse outcomes. According to research done in the UK, anemia, hemorrhaging, hypertensive, placenta retention, malaria, complicated/prolonged labor, early labor, and preeclampsia are typical maternal health issues in places of extreme poverty.

2. Prenatal care

Enough prenatal care typically includes medical attention as well as social, educational, and nutritional support during pregnancy. Prenatal care may, for instance, entail blood pressure checks, uterine measures to gauge fetal growth, and serum comprehensive screening methods for suspected chromosomal disorders. Although there are many reasons women decide against receiving the recommended prenatal care, a US nationwide research found that 70% of low-income women encountered barriers to accessing prenatal care whenever they searched it out.

Moreover, Hispanic and immigrant women are more likely than white or black women to receive inadequate prenatal care, with education level also a factor. The lowest rate of prenatal care is among adolescents. Women and teenagers consistently cited a lack of resources and access to transportation as the biggest obstacles to accessing quality prenatal care.

3. Maternal weight

Women with a BMI of 18.5-24.9, which was before weight, should anticipate gaining 25–35 pounds (11–16 kg) throughout their pregnancy.  Maternal obesity is associated with a higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory issues, infections, and other conditions that might have a negative impact on the outcome of pregnancies.  A significant risk indicator for gestational diabetes is overweight.   According to research, obese women who lose weight between pregnancies—at least 10 pounds or 4.5 kilograms—are less likely to develop gestational diabetes throughout their subsequent pregnancies than women who gain weight.

Pregnant women must make an effort to work out for a minimum of 150 minutes each week, especially exercises that build muscle. Nonetheless, it is advised that pregnant women speak with their OB/GYN about the kind of exercise they can engage in safely during the early stages of pregnancy.

4. Religion

A variety of circumstances influence the availability of resources and maternal health. Religion is one of these elements that recent research has emphasized. For instance, one such study claimed that Muslim women in Canada received inadequate health education and treatment due to the doctors’ insensitivity and ignorance.

The medical care the women obtained from doctors did not address their religion or cultural customs or offer much in the way of cultural modifications or psychological support. It has been established that Muslim women require more significant assistance connecting with the immigrant population and wellness data to produce a more secure and pleasant atmosphere.

Discrimination based on religion may impact women from various backgrounds access to maternity health care. Studies showing women’s struggles in maternal and child nursing health practice.

5. HIV/ AIDS

The prevalence of maternal HIV varies from 1% to 50%, with Asian and African nations having the highest prevalence rates. While carrying HIV/AIDS when pregnant can increase the mom’s health risks, most of the health consequences associated with maternal HIV infection are on the child, especially in places with a high poverty rate and poor levels of education.   The possibility of catching pneumonia or malaria in impoverished nations is a significant worry for HIV-positive pregnant women.

Maternal health issues

What are maternal health issues that affect mothers and their children? Here is a list;

1. Anxiety

Disorders of anxiety are prevalent before, though, and after pregnancy. When you suffer from an anxiety attack, you may suffer from uncontrollable emotions of anxiety, uneasiness, fear, concern, or panic. These emotions may be strong and linger for an extended period.

2. Diabetes

The condition known as diabetes alters how your body converts food into energy. Type 1, 2, and gestational diabetes are the three primary kinds of the disease. High blood sugar levels around the moment of conception increase the risk of birth abnormalities, stillbirths, and premature birth among expectant women with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

3. Heart conditions

The heart and vasculature are affected by cardiac disorders such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, arrhythmia, and congenital heart problems. You can lower your risk for many heart diseases by choosing nutritious foods, abstaining from alcohol, stopping smoking if you smoke, controlling any other chronic conditions, and exercising regularly.

4. High blood pressure

When your heart rate is higher than usual, you have high blood pressure, a common cardiac issue. Chronic hypertension is a form of hypertension that develops before becoming pregnant or before the 20th week of pregnancy.

5. Infections

Pregnancy complications and potentially harmful outcomes can result from infections. Many negative effects can be avoided by taking recommended immunizations, getting tested for diseases like HIV and other STIs, and receiving prescribed treatment.

6. Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Most frequently, during the first three months of pregnancy, most pregnant persons have some vomiting, nausea, or “morning sickness.” While still severe, hyperemesis gravidarum is worse than “morning sickness.” It alludes to pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting that lasts all the time.

7. Weight

Some women may add weight during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, while others may lose. Talk to your healthcare provider for guidance if you are overweight or underweight.

Leading causes of maternal motility

Difficulties during, and after pregnancy and childbirth claim women’s lives. What is the importance of maternal and child health nursing? This question helps in outlining the issues.

Most of these issues occur during pregnancy and can be avoided or treated. Some issues may already be present before conception, but they exacerbate themselves throughout pregnancy, especially if they are not treated as part of the woman’s care. Almost 70% of all maternal mortality is caused by significant complications, which include;

• Severe bleeding
• infections (typically after delivery),
• unsafe abortion
• Pregnancy-related high blood pressure (pre- and preeclampsia)
• delivery-related problems

Effects of maternal health on child growth and development

How does maternal health affect child growth and development? What is the major focus of nursing practice? Much research has been conducted to assess maternal health’s impact on children. Here are some results;

1. Prenatal health

An essential component of primary maternity care is prenatal care.  Expectant moms are advised to have at least four prenatal checkups, during which a medical professional can examine for symptoms of sickness, such as being underweight, anemia, or infection, and keep track of the fetus’s wellbeing. During these consultations, women receive advice on nourishment and sanitation to improve their health before and after delivery.

Any pre-existing medical illnesses the woman might have suffered before becoming pregnant, such as hypertension, asthma, or kidney problems, can also be maintained during these appointments. The patient can create a birth plan with her health professional that details how to get to treatment and what to do in an emergency.

2. Sexually transmitted infections and childbirth

During childbirth, the newborn may contract enteroviruses, parvovirus B19, rubella, CMV, varicella, and cytomegalovirus. 20% of kids delivered through infected birth canals have brain injuries, and 3% eventually die in pregnancies where the mother has the virus.

HIV/AIDS can potentially spread during childbirth by exposure to the mom’s liquids or through the placenta to the fetus. In industrialized nations, mothers frequently choose to have a cesarean delivery to lessen the possibility of passing the virus down the vaginal canal. Still, this choice may not always be accessible in developing nations.

3. Postpartum period

Monitoring new mothers is important since it allows for assessing their maternal health. As medical centers maintain records of the women who’ve already given birth, it is simple to follow up o their welfare and ensure they remain healthy. As the baby grows, the women are tracked to monitor the development of their kids and their health.

Nutritional guidance and follow-up are provided to guarantee the health of the mother and the unborn child. By doing this, illnesses that could harm the two and worsen their health are avoided. long-term follow-up must incorporate mental health counseling and screening since 14% of women will have postpartum depression, often known as the “baby blues,” during the first year of giving birth, even though it usually begins within the first three weeks.

What are the objectives of maternal and child health

4. Reduced maternal morbidity and mortality rates
5. Protection and promotion of health in mothers
6. Promotion and protection of physical development in children
7. Provision of primary healthcare to both the mother and the child
8. Reduce neonatal and per natal morbidity and mortality rates
9. Regulation of fertility so as a mother can have the number of children they want

To sum up

Maternal health deals with care provided to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery. The issue is becoming relevant in society today leading to schools introducing it as a course. There are several maternal health issues that affect maternal care such as anxiety, infections, and weight among others.

Are you a nursing student and need help in maternal health or any other nursing assignment? Reach out to bestnursingwritingsevices.com. we have the best writers to help you attain your dream grades. Click here to reach out to us now.