More women in sub-Saharan Africa are changing from giving birth at home to delivering in hospitals, as efforts to improve maternal health slowly take effect.
A research paper published in the Journal of Pregnancy examined data from 30 countries for a decade ending 2024 to understand where women give birth and why some are changing their choices. It found that about 13.6% of women changed their place of childbirth between their two most recent births, with more than half moving from home to health facilities.
The study reports a growing shift toward safer deliveries in hospitals, where trained health workers and better equipment can reduce complications. However, progress remains uneven across countries.
According to the findings, Uganda recorded the highest level of change, while countries like Burkina Faso lagged behind. Researchers say these differences are linked to access to healthcare, economic conditions, and education levels.
“More than half of these women (54.35%) shifted from home to a healthcare facility,” the authors wrote.
Experts say the move toward hospital births is important because maternal deaths are still a major concern in the region. Many women continue to die from complications during pregnancy and childbirth, especially in poorer and rural communities.
“Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounts for a staggering 70% of all cases,” the study stated, referring to global maternal deaths.
The study also found that education and wealth play a big role in where women give birth. Women with higher education and better financial status are more likely to deliver in hospitals. On the other hand, women in rural areas face challenges such as long distances to health facilities and high transport costs. “Women in rural areas are 34% less likely to change from home to a facility compared with those in urban areas,” the researchers said.
The researchers recommend improving healthcare services in rural areas, reducing costs for poor families, and increasing awareness through media and education. They say these steps are necessary to ensure more women can access safe delivery services.
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