Many factors affect maternal health. Islamic
perspectives on maternal health are associated
with maternal age, fertility, family size preferences,
contraceptive use, and TBAs.5, 6 Maternal age, both
for teens and older women increase the risk of adverse
pregnancy outcomes.7 Early and late pregnancy may
put the life of the mother and fetus at risk and contributes
to higher mortality rates.
The fertility rate of Muslim mothers is higher
than that of non-Muslim mothers. While the fertility rate
in all regions of Thailand has sharply declined to below
replacement level, it has only slightly declined in area
where Muslims are predominant.8 In the southernmost
provinces of Thailand, the birth rate is higher than
both the southern region and national average.