Medical Advances: China sees fast drop in maternal mortality rate

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These days expecting mothers in China are approaching the big day with more eagerness and fewer worries. But even with significant improvements in medicine and treatment, there are still major concerns for parents. CGTN's Sun Ye reports.

Bringing a new life into the world is rewarding, fulfilling, yet still life-threatening. These days, expectant Chinese mothers seem not to worry.

CHEN HAIYAN "It doesn't freak me out. Well, this is my second child. And compared to my first, I go through so many more tests and check-ups now that any problem must be solved before it gets me."

ZHANG XIAOSHUANG "I found out early that I had a blood coagulation problem, and soon got properly treated. Thanks to that, I now look forward to the big day next month."

Their assurances today come after big breakthroughs in science.

RUAN YAN, CHIEF PHYSICIAN BEIJING OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY HOSPITAL "There have been huge advances in medical technology, including a full-scale application of fetal heart rate monitoring, and a detailed check-up and screening system."

Ruan also points to another nationwide system that has been a great life-saver.

RUAN YAN, CHIEF PHYSICIAN BEIJING OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY HOSPITAL "It's a national-level effort in management. From the ministries to individual hospitals like ours, we have worked on a Three-level referral and treatment system that will get at-risk pregnant women to the places that offer the best cures as fast as possible."

SUN YE BEIJING "China's maternal mortality rates have been dropping fast. In 1996, there were over 100 deaths out of every 100,000 births. In 2018, there are fewer than 20 per 100,000."

But that progress has come with new reasons to worry.

RUAN YAN, CHIEF PHYSICIAN BEIJING OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY HOSPITAL "Because of the technological advances, some who previously would not become pregnant now choose to give birth. For example, there are many more new mothers over 35 these days."

China plans to further cut maternal mortality rates down by one third by 2030 and keep both mother and child safe and sound. SY, CGTN, BJ.