As the immune system of women weakens after conceiving a child, they are at a higher risk of developing many infections during this period.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every day nearly 800 women across the world die from preventable causes like infection, high blood pressure, unsafe abortion during pregnancy and birth.
Highlighting this factor, a new study published in PLOS Medicine found pregnancy related infections, one of the leading causes of maternal death across the world, caused mainly by four types of conditions: infections of genital tract (Puerperal sepsis), urinary tract, soft tissues and abortion.
The study initiated by Michael Gravett and a group of researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health(PATH), and Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, Seattle Children (GAPPS )also found all these conditions, risky for the unborn and newborn babies, treatable and preventable.
To identify the most life-threatening pregnancy-related infections, the researchers reviewed previous studies from Africa and Asia, where 80 percent of maternal deaths occur. At the end of their review, the investigators found all of these pregnancy related infections preventable by appropriate and timely screening and follow-up antibiotics.
Intervention of the health practitioners during two periods- at the first visit and the onset of labor- help to prevent the infections, the researchers said.
"Our review identified four clinical syndromes, and microbes associated with them, that appear to be responsible for most cases of life-threatening pregnancy related infections in low-and-middle-income countries," Science Codex quoted the authors of the study. "Each of these occurs at a distinct time during pregnancy, providing opportunities for screening and prevention."
Concluding their study, the researchers urged the need for conducting more research in low- and -middle income countries to eliminate the future risks.
"Without such data, women will continue to be treated inappropriately and experience potentially preventable mortality and morbidity," Time Healthland quoted the authors as writing.
