Dhaka: Health experts have stressed that greater awareness, timely medical care and institutional delivery services are crucial to reducing maternal mortality in Bangladesh, where many women continue to die every year from preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications. The death of a pregnant mother is not only a medical tragedy but also the loss of two lives, leaving families devastated and exposing gaps in healthcare systems meant to protect women during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, across hospitals and rural communities, preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth continue to claim the lives of mothers who should have safely returned home with their newborns. Twenty-seven-year-old Ayesha Begum from Alambidit village under Gangachara upazila in Rangpur district was nine months pregnant when she suddenly developed severe abdominal pain. Believing that labour had started, she stayed at home and called a local midwife while waiting for delivery. Soon after, Ayesha began bleeding heavily, but neither her family nor the midwife sought immediate medical assistance. She was eventually taken to a local health centre after her condition became critical, where she later died. The attending doctor said her life could likely have been saved had she been brought to the health facility earlier, as trained healthcare workers are equipped to handle such emergencies.
Doctors said many women continue to die during and after childbirth due to preventable complications and that even basic awareness could save mothers from unexpected deaths. Former professor of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital and prominent gynecologist at Central Hospital Dr. Farhana Dewan emphasized the importance of prenatal checkups. She explained that mothers die for two main reasons: convulsions and hemorrhage during or after childbirth. Convulsions can occur before or after delivery, making prenatal checkups crucial to identify potential issues and administer necessary treatments. Hemorrhage can occur during pregnancy, labour, or after it, which underscores the importance of hospital deliveries where medical interventions can be promptly administered.
Dr. Dewan added that mothers can still be saved if they are taken to hospitals or health centres immediately after the onset of convulsions or bleeding. According to UNICEF statistics, nearly 5,000 women die every year in Bangladesh from complications related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Many maternal deaths occur during home deliveries due to the lack of skilled birth attendants, while others result from the lack of timely prenatal care at hospitals or health centres.
UNICEF maternal and adolescent health expert Md Sayem noted that maternal mortality remains high because many rural women do not utilize available hospital and health centre services, despite adequate facilities. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Mother Health Programme Officer Dr Azizul Alim stated that the government is providing special training to health workers and health managers to reduce maternal mortality. The government also offers services in remote areas, encouraging people to choose hospital deliveries over home births.
Dr. Alim mentioned that the government collaborates with partner organizations to provide various trainings and conduct research. These organizations prepare detailed reports on maternal deaths, identifying causes and informing plans and steps for improvement. The government is working sincerely in a scientific and realistic manner to reduce the maternal mortality rate. Additionally, the government provides maternity allowance in 56 districts to ensure that poor and needy mothers receive nutritious food and necessary services during pregnancy.
To further reduce maternal mortality, Dr. Alim advised that mothers should follow healthcare guidelines from the beginning of pregnancy until the first few months after childbirth. He emphasized the importance of seeking care at hospitals and health centres to ensure safe deliveries and healthy outcomes for mothers and newborns.