Evaluation of different models of access to misoprostol at the community level to improve maternal health outcomes in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria

Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality in low-income countries, accounting for more than 30% of maternal deaths [1,2], and it is arguably the most preventable [3]. The risk of hemorrhage at birth is highest for women who deliver at home because they do not benefit from the support of skilled birth attendants and are less likely to receive care and medications that prevent postpartum hemorrhage. One promising approach to the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage among these women is to provide misoprostol—an inexpensive pill that, when taken immediately after delivery, can reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage by 24%–47% [4–7].

Source: International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics - April 18, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Elisa Wells, Francine Coeytaux, Esther Azasi, Sada Danmusa, Takele Geressu, Tarra McNally, Jennifer Potts, Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor, Senait Tibebu Tags: Special communication Source Type: research