Coronavirus: More Than 13,000 Women Around the World Died During Childbirth
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global healthcare system in unimaginable ways. While much of the focus has been on infection rates, vaccines, and economic consequences, a devastating yet underreported crisis was the surge in maternal deaths. According to global health data, more than 13,000 women worldwide died during childbirth during the height of the pandemic, highlighting severe disruptions in maternal health services.
The Global Impact on Maternal Health
Before the pandemic, maternal mortality was gradually declining thanks to improved access to prenatal care and skilled birth attendance. However, COVID-19 reversed much of this progress. Travel restrictions, overburdened hospitals, and fear of virus exposure caused countless expectant mothers to delay or avoid critical antenatal appointments and institutional deliveries.
Why Did Maternal Deaths Increase?
Several interconnected factors contributed to this alarming spike:
- Disrupted Healthcare Services: Hospitals converted to COVID-only centres often suspended maternal services or reduced capacities.
- Lack of Skilled Personnel: Many gynaecologists, obstetricians, and midwives were reassigned to COVID-19 wards or fell ill themselves.
- Fear and Misinformation: Many pregnant women avoided hospitals due to fear of infection or misinformation spread through social media.
- Transportation Barriers: Lockdowns and curfews made reaching medical facilities challenging, especially in rural and remote areas.
Low- and Middle-Income Countries Hit the Hardest
While developed nations faced their own challenges, low- and middle-income countries bore the brunt of maternal deaths. Nations with already fragile healthcare systems, such as India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, saw a staggering increase in maternal mortality rates. Many women were forced to deliver at home without skilled care, significantly increasing the risk of complications.
Case Example: India
India witnessed a notable decline in institutional deliveries during COVID-19 peaks. According to a study published in The Lancet Global Health, maternal mortality in India increased by nearly 20% during 2020–2021, largely due to lack of access to emergency obstetric care and delayed referrals.
Mental Health Toll on Expectant Mothers
The stress of pregnancy was exacerbated by fear of COVID-19, economic uncertainty, and isolation. Many women reported heightened anxiety, depression, and loneliness during pregnancy. These mental health issues often went untreated, compounding the risk of complications like postpartum depression and preeclampsia.
What Global Health Bodies Say
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) have acknowledged the maternal health crisis as a critical fallout of the pandemic. They urge governments to prioritise essential maternal and newborn services during health emergencies.
According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “The pandemic showed us that when health systems are overwhelmed, maternal care becomes collateral damage.”
Recommended Actions for Future Preparedness
Experts recommend several strategies to prevent maternal deaths in future pandemics or crises:
- Integrate maternal care into national emergency response plans.
- Use telehealth and mobile health (mHealth) platforms to maintain antenatal consultations.
- Train midwives and birth attendants to manage deliveries outside institutional settings when needed.
- Maintain transportation and referral pathways during lockdowns.
What Can Be Done Now?
With the pandemic entering a less acute phase, governments and health organisations must act swiftly to restore maternal services:
- Reopen and equip maternity wards with infection control protocols.
- Launch public awareness campaigns encouraging institutional deliveries.
- Offer mental health counselling to expectant mothers and new mothers.
- Increase investment in rural health infrastructure.
Stories from the Ground
A 27-year-old woman in Kenya named Asha lost her life in 2020 after walking nearly 10 km in labour to find the nearest health post closed due to COVID. Stories like hers were tragically common across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Conclusion
The death of over 13,000 women during childbirth is a stark reminder that women's health cannot be sidelined, even during a global emergency. Every woman deserves safe and respectful maternity care, regardless of a pandemic. Restoring and strengthening maternal healthcare services is not only a moral imperative but a public health priority.
Related reads: