What does "Maternal Mortality Ratio" mean?
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The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is a measure used to show how many women die from pregnancy-related issues for every 100,000 live births. This number helps to understand the safety of giving birth in different places.
Importance of MMR
A high MMR means that many women are facing serious risks while pregnant or during childbirth. These risks can stem from various factors like lack of access to good healthcare, poor nutrition, and socioeconomic issues. Improving MMR is crucial for making pregnancy safer for women and is a goal for many health organizations worldwide.
Factors Affecting MMR
Several factors can affect the MMR, including:
- Access to Healthcare: Women need to have access to antenatal care to ensure their health and the health of their babies.
- Education: Women with higher education levels often have better health outcomes during pregnancy.
- Income: Lower income levels are linked to poorer health during and after pregnancy.
Addressing MMR
To lower the MMR, it is important to focus on improving healthcare systems, providing education, and addressing economic challenges. Ensuring that all women can access quality care before, during, and after pregnancy can help to save lives and promote healthier families.