Psychosocial implications of post-partum haemorrhage and maternal mortality

Abstract

Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. In developing countries, it accounts for the deaths of about 125 000 women (WHO, 2007). More than half of all maternal deaths occur within 24 hours of delivery, mostly from excessive bleeding. It is usually an emergency situation that requires urgent intervention (ICM and IFGO, 2006). These deaths are preventable if necessary care was received promptly but expert care is not easily accessible to Child bearing women in developing countries. Death of a woman has a lot of psychosocial implications which has long term effect on the family especially the new born. As the foundations of the child’s psychosocial development is affect from birth. Implementation of efficient preventive obstetric care can significantly reduce adverse physical and psychological outcomes of birth trauma (Kahsay, Numbers, Martindale and Dalzell, 2010). Thus the need to prevent it cannot be overemphasized as many interventions to treat it result in other unpleasant outcomes. Increased awareness and community education on the need to seek skilled care early in pregnancy and delivery is very important. Health care facilities should be well equipped to manage PPH because it an emergency situation in order to prevent maternal mortality. Psychosocial support should be provided for the woman and her family in order to prevent long lasting negative psychosocial outcomes after complicated childbirth.

Keywords: Psychosocial Implications, Post-Partum Haemorrhage, Maternal