Pregnancy should be a time of hope and happiness but every year, 16 million new mums face the reality of giving birth in terrifying conditions. They are trapped in war zones, living under siege or fleeing for their lives with no access to health care.
800 women die during pregnancy or childbirth every day, mostly from causes that could have been prevented or treated with proper medical care. Some experience severe bleeding, others develop infection and too many go through an obstructed labour without any help.
Newborn babies without mothers are ten times more likely to die before their first birthdays. But we don't have to accept this tragedy.
Every mother deserves to give birth in a safe space with good medical care, no matter how far she is from home or hospitals. UNICEF is supporting mums with emergency supplies and skilled birth attendants so they can experience the joy of a healthy baby.