The correct answer is: d) All of the above
Maternal mortality rate (MMR) is the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. It is a key indicator of the health of women and the quality of reproductive health services in a country.
Assam has one of the highest MMRs in India, at 222 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is significantly higher than the national average of 103 deaths per 100,000 live births.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high MMR in Assam, including:
- Early marriage and childbirth: Many girls in Assam are married off before they reach the age of 18. This puts them at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Limited access to skilled birth attendants: Many women in Assam do not have access to skilled birth attendants, who can provide life-saving care during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Anemia and malnutrition: Many women in Assam are anaemic and malnourished. This can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and can also increase the risk of death for both the mother and the baby.
The high MMR in Assam is a serious concern. It is important to address the factors that contribute to this problem, in order to improve the health of women and reduce the number of maternal deaths.
Here are some additional details about each of the factors that contribute to the high MMR in Assam:
- Early marriage and childbirth: Girls who are married off before they reach the age of 18 are at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. This is because their bodies are not yet fully developed, and they are more likely to have anemia and malnutrition. They are also more likely to have unsafe abortions, which can be life-threatening.
- Limited access to skilled birth attendants: Many women in Assam do not have access to skilled birth attendants, who can provide life-saving care during pregnancy and childbirth. This is because there are not enough skilled birth attendants in the state, and many of them are concentrated in urban areas. As a result, many women in rural areas have to deliver their babies at home, without any medical assistance.
- Anemia and malnutrition: Many women in Assam are anaemic and malnourished. This is because they do not have access to a healthy diet, and they may not be getting enough iron and other nutrients. Anemia can make it difficult for a woman to carry a pregnancy to term, and it can also increase the risk of complications during childbirth. Malnutrition can also make it difficult for a woman to carry a pregnancy to term, and it can also increase the risk of death for both the mother and the baby.