Evaluating The Impact Of Emergency Obstetric Care Services On Perinatal Mortality Reduction

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mortality is one of the most serious health problems in almost the whole world as it frequently occurs in the low- and middle-income nations where restricted access to quality emergency obstetric services (EmOC) has led to the deaths of mothers and babies which can be prevented. The reinforcement of EmOC services is important in enhancing survival rates in the pregnancies and birth of the child. Objective: This research will serve to determine the effectiveness of emergency obstetric care services to decrease perinatal mortality and enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Methodology: A narrative review and analytical synthesis of recent study was made, based on the availability, accessibility and quality of EmOC services. They compared the populations that had sufficient and those who had limited access to emergency obstetric services. Findings: The results suggest that the decrease in perinatal mortality rates is about 30-50 percent in relation to the access to comprehensive EmOC services. Early interventions including cesarean section, obstetric complications, and resuscitation of the babies were effective in improving survival rates. Facilities boasting of well-equipped EmOC services were recorded to be performing better in terms of safe deliveries and reducing complications. On the other hand, complications associated with slower access to emergency services were associated with high death rates and negative outcomes. Conclusion: Emergency obstetric care services are crucial towards reducing perinatal mortality. To bring sustainable changes to the maternal and neonatal health, strengthening access, quality and timely delivery of these services are critical issues to address the continued changes and advancements in maternal and neonatal health services.