Mum's the World

It's estimated that over 350,000 babies are born every day.

That's about four new lives every second.

The United Nations predicts that by the year 2050, the global population will peak at around 9.2 billion people. The United States Census Bureau estimates there are around 6.8 billion people living on the planet at the moment.

And yet, childbirth in many countries is still not safe. A UNICEF report, released in January 2009, revealed that half a million women worldwide die each year from complications during pregnancy or birth.

In developed countries, the risk of death is lower - but families may have other fears, such as the amount of strain a new baby may put on the family finances.

And no matter where you are in the world, there's something special about the start of a new life.

Behind every birth statistic is a real human story. For 'Mum's the World', Outlook is meeting five mothers. They all live very different lives - but are all expecting babies to be born during the summer of 2009.

Mum's the World

No matter where you are in the world, expecting a baby is a magical time. Outlook is meeting mothers-to-be from five countries. This is Lara with her baby daughter Vera.

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Lara Marcuse - USA

The United States of America is one of the world's richest countries. Life expectancy is high, with an average of around 78 years. The risks involved in pregnancy and birth are low: UNICEF estimates that a woman giving birth has just a 1 in 8,000 mortality risk.

Most women in the USA choose to give birth in hospital. But - even though she works in a hospital - Lara has chosen to give birth at home, instead.

Lara's baby daughter Vera was born on 21st May 2009.

Lu Yun - China

China is the most densely populated country in the world. In an attempt to ease the situation, the authorities introduced the 'one child policy' in 1979. This means that - in most cases - couples are only allowed to have one child. Although this policy has exceptions and isn't always enforced, its influence and legacy adds a special pressure to couples trying to conceive.

Lu Yun lives in the hustle and bustle of Beijing and says that balancing the timing of a pregnancy against career opportunities can be quite a struggle.

Sarah Muthoni Ngugi - Kenya

UNICEF's report published found that 99% of maternal deaths occur in the developing world.

In Africa, one of the worst affected places, high fertility rates and a shortage of trained medical staff make having a baby one of the biggest health risks a woman will face in her lifetime.

Sarah Muthoni Ngugi is preparing to give birth in Kenya. Like many expectant mothers, her biggest fear is the pain of birth.

Naomi Regan - UK

The UK is a wealthy country. Medical care standards are high, and maternal mortality rates are low.

Naomi lives in the South West of England. She has a disability which affects her movement. She has to use crutches or a wheelchair to get around and her joints dislocate quite regularly. This makes pregnancy even more of a challenge - although Naomi has made sure that the nursery is all ready to go.

Naomi's baby son Vincent was born on 28th July 2009.

Marjeena Begum - India

Marjeena lives in Delhi. Life expectancy in India is around 64 years. It's estimated that 42% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Marjeena didn't want to be pregnant at first - this baby is her third child. She's 20, but is worried about affording to care for her new baby.

Marjeena found the last few weeks of her pregnancy particularly uncomfortable.

Marjeena gave birth to a baby boy.

Contact us

Are you pregnant or expecting a baby with your partner soon? Have you recently given birth? What medical care did you receive? We would love to hear your story. Get in touch using the form below!