South Africa has unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality. Although the country is
seeing improvements since 2011, the number of women and girls who are dying during
pregnancy or shortly after giving birth has increased dramatically since 2000. Today, the
maternal mortality rate stands at 269 deaths per 100,000 live births, far higher than the rate
of 38 which the government committed to achieve by 2015.2 Experts suggest 60% of
maternal deaths in South Africa are avoidable.
3
Appropriate and timely antenatal care plays an important role in improving maternal and
child health,
4 and preventing maternal deaths.
5
It aims to detect and treat existing health
problems and to screen for complications that may develop in the pregnancy. The World
Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of four antenatal care visits, starting in
the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
6 Antenatal care is also an opportunity to provide vital health
information to women and girls relating to lifestyle risks and to offer social support and
counselling. It connects them with the health system, leading to an increased likelihood of
delivery with a skilled birth attendant and continuing care after the baby is born.