Child and Maternal Mortality
in Islamic Countries
36
2.4.4. Differentials in postpartum maternal and child care utilization
Postnatal care is one of the key components of safe motherhood programs and essential for
diagnosing early complications of newborns. Most maternal and neonatal deaths occur during
early postpartum period. Postpartum hemorrhage and sepsis, which occur after delivery, are
two major causes of maternal death and may be treated effectively if diagnosed promptly. It is
now recognized that the first two days (48 hours) postpartum are critical for monitoring and
treating complications for mothers and newborns.
The distributions of mother’s postnatal checkup in first two days are shown in Figure 2.17.
Postnatal care for mothers were very low in Chad (16%). Very high inequity was observed in all
countries – both by wealth quintile and education level of women – except in Albania where
87.7% of mothers received postpartum care within two days of birth.
Figure 2.17. Mother's postnatal checkup in the first two days after birth by wealth quintile in
selected OIC countries
Data source: Demographic and Health Surveys