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Maternal mortality in the past and its relevance to developing countries today
1Wantage, Oxon, United Kingdom. irvine.loudon@wuhmo.ox.ac.uk
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|June 29, 2000
Summary
Maternal mortality rates were high in Western countries until the 1930s, then declined dramatically. Improved maternal care standards, not poverty, were the primary driver of this decline.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Public Health
- Obstetrics
Background:
- High maternal mortality rates characterized the Western world from the mid-19th century to the mid-1930s.
- Rates remained high and varied significantly between countries during this period.
Observation:
- A significant decline in maternal mortality rates began around 1937, with intercountry differences diminishing within two decades.
- Current rates in developed nations are drastically lower, approximately 1/40th to 1/50th of those from 60 years ago.
Findings:
- The study suggests the primary determinant of maternal mortality was the standard of maternal care provided by birth attendants.
- Poverty and malnutrition played a minimal role, evidenced by higher maternal mortality in upper social classes compared to lower ones.
Implications:
- Findings highlight the critical impact of quality maternal care on reducing mortality.
- The study's insights may be relevant for improving maternal health outcomes in developing countries.