Many factors influence the prevalence of maternal and fetal issues within the Middle East. This includes the lack of skilled healthcare facilities and technology, and the ability to seek prenatal care. While most of these issues are attributed to the lack of quality healthcare and facilities, another intriguing statistic exists that could possibly affect these issues. This statistic involves the role of men in maternal and fetal health issues, and the lack of autonomy women have in making decisions regarding their own healthcare. Specific aspects of Islam require women to follow guidelines regarding modesty and interaction with males. Another factor, and something of great importance, is the issue of men making decisions about the care, or
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Congenital abnormalities also affect a high rate of this population (Alpana). In a study on Folate supplementation, research showed that the incidence of neural tube defects were among the highest in Middle Eastern countries (Christianson). Simple prenatal education about the importance of things such as folate supplementation is an easy way to help prevent neural tube defects, and something that most women are educated about upon going to there Obstetrician (Perry 55).The issue is, most women do not receive prenatal care during pregnancy due to the many cultural barriers, including patriarchy, and the males decision that early prenatal care is not necessary. In fact, 51.3% of husbands (the head of the family) perceive pregnancy dangers as a “non-risk”, and may not fully understand the importance of prenatal care (Azuh 112). This issue, along with the lack of quality healthcare and socioeconomic issues, puts Middle Eastern women at a significantly increased risk for maternal and infant anomalies. Also, without attending a skilled facility, these women lack the opportunity for certain screenings that can detect other fetal and maternal issues, some of which can be treated prior to …show more content…
In this unequal power relationship, women often ceded their autonomy and decision-making power to men, including decisions concerning access to, and use of, maternal health services (Ganle). Something else that was brought forth during these discussions is the importance of the mother-in-law.
Mother-in-law’s, in addition to the husband, play a huge role in decision making, as evidence by this recollection in the Ganle study, “The problem is that sometimes it is not our fault that we do not go to the hospital to check our pregnancy or deliver in hospital. I say this because when I was pregnant I did not go to hospital until it was 8 months. I wanted to go but my mother in law said I was ok. When it was time for me to give birth too, she said I should deliver at home. You know, my mother in law said she gave birth to all her children at home and never had problems. Because of her experience, she did not want me to go to hospital too” (Ganle
Congenital abnormalities also affect a high rate of this population (Alpana). In a study on Folate supplementation, research showed that the incidence of neural tube defects were among the highest in Middle Eastern countries (Christianson). Simple prenatal education about the importance of things such as folate supplementation is an easy way to help prevent neural tube defects, and something that most women are educated about upon going to there Obstetrician (Perry 55).The issue is, most women do not receive prenatal care during pregnancy due to the many cultural barriers, including patriarchy, and the males decision that early prenatal care is not necessary. In fact, 51.3% of husbands (the head of the family) perceive pregnancy dangers as a “non-risk”, and may not fully understand the importance of prenatal care (Azuh 112). This issue, along with the lack of quality healthcare and socioeconomic issues, puts Middle Eastern women at a significantly increased risk for maternal and infant anomalies. Also, without attending a skilled facility, these women lack the opportunity for certain screenings that can detect other fetal and maternal issues, some of which can be treated prior to …show more content…
In this unequal power relationship, women often ceded their autonomy and decision-making power to men, including decisions concerning access to, and use of, maternal health services (Ganle). Something else that was brought forth during these discussions is the importance of the mother-in-law.
Mother-in-law’s, in addition to the husband, play a huge role in decision making, as evidence by this recollection in the Ganle study, “The problem is that sometimes it is not our fault that we do not go to the hospital to check our pregnancy or deliver in hospital. I say this because when I was pregnant I did not go to hospital until it was 8 months. I wanted to go but my mother in law said I was ok. When it was time for me to give birth too, she said I should deliver at home. You know, my mother in law said she gave birth to all her children at home and never had problems. Because of her experience, she did not want me to go to hospital too” (Ganle