Childbirth in Mexico

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In its early history, Mexico was occupied by a large number of indigenous tribes such as the Mayans and Aztecs. In the 16th century, Spain colonized New Spain and took over the land from the indigenous peoples.^[1] Though it is now an independent nation, Mexico retains much of the cultural influence of Spain, including its official religion of Catholicism, the Spanish language, and the importance of machismo - the belief that men are superior to women.^[2] Mexico also retains much of the traditional beliefs of the indigenous peoples who first occupied the country. Besides Spanish, there are over one hundred different languages spoken in the country today. As a result, the current medical system involves a mix of traditional and Western medicinal techniques.^[2]

Traditional beliefs such as Susto, also known as fear of illness, is thought to occur when the soul leaves the body and wanders. It is believed that women experience this more often than men. Empacho, or the dislocation of body functions is often associated with morning sickness in pregnancy because it is believed that the baby is bringing increased energy to the digestive process. Mal de Ojo is another important perceived cause of illness which relates to birth. It is believed that if someone is looked upon with admiration or jealousy that they will become ill themselves.^[2]

In Mexico, approximately 46.2% are below the poverty line, the average life expectancy is 76.7 years, 73.9 years in males, and 79.6 years in females. 95.8% of the population is literate. In the country, the Infant mortality rate is low, compared to other countries, Mexico is 127 with 10.7 deaths to 1,000 births, the maternal mortality rate is also low, occupying number 108 compared to other countries with a ratio of 33 deaths to 100,000 live births. The contraceptive use rate in the country is about 66.9% a little high compared to other countries.^[3]