Overview

The provision of medical care and counselling before, during, and after birth impact the survival of both the mother and the child.  Maternal health indicators help program staff identify the women and infants who are most at risk for health complications. 

DHS Survey

In the DHS, maternal health refers specifically to health surrounding childbearing; that is, antenatal care, delivery assistance, and postnatal care. The DHS maternal health indicators measure maternal health care against national recommendations, such as the recommended number of antenatal care visits and the prefered timing for postnatal care.   The measures of maternal health care are also compared to women’s status.

Related Indicators

• Antenatal care
• Number of antenatal care visits and timing of first visit
• Tetanus toxoid vaccination
• Components of antenatal care
• Iron tablets/anti-malarial drugs
• Place of delivery
• Assistance during delivery
• Characteristics of delivery
• Delivery complications
• Problems in accessing health care
• Use of smoking tobacco

SPA Survey

SPA surveys contain a section on assessment of maternal health care services, including availability of antenatal care and associated equipment and medicines, counseling and observation of client examinations.  Delivery services are also assessed, including availability of emergency transport, items for delivery services and essential supplies for delivery.