Every day, nearly 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, with 95% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These numbers reflect more than inadequate clinical care. They expose systemic challenges: shortages of skilled staff, delays in diagnosis, gaps in referral pathways, and limited access to reliable health information.

Maternal health outcomes are not simply about hospitals or medicines—they are about timely decisions made by women, families, and health workers. This is where artificial intelligence (AI), if carefully applied, could make a difference.

In recent years, AI has moved from being a futuristic concept to a practical tool with real-world applications in healthcare. Across the globe, AI is beginning to support doctors and nurses in making faster, more accurate decisions. This has particular promise for maternal health—an area where timely interventions can mean the difference between life and death.

The promise of AI in maternal health

AI-powered tools are emerging across the maternal health spectrum:

• Risk prediction models can identify women at high risk of complications such as preeclampsia or postpartum hemorrhage. Recent models have shown how AI can predict maternal and fetal outcomes using interpretable, validated algorithms.
• Clinical decision support systems can help frontline staff follow evidence-based protocols in real time, supporting care where resources are limited.
• AI-driven maternal health interventions, such as personalized phone calls guided by predictive models, have demonstrated improvements in maternal health behaviors during and after pregnancy.
• Data analysis platforms can help ministries of health identify trends and allocate resources more effectively.

For countries with limited health workforces, AI could support frontline staff, reduce errors, and expand access to essential information.

Why Cambodia is well-positioned

For Cambodia, this opportunity is both timely and relevant. The country has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality over the past two decades, yet challenges remain in rural areas where access to specialists is limited. AI-driven solutions could help bridge this gap, complementing the ongoing efforts of healthcare professionals and the Ministry of Health.

One practical example is the use of AI-assisted ultrasound tools. These innovations can guide midwives or general practitioners in rural settings to interpret scans more effectively, helping detect complications earlier. In Kenya and Uganda, for instance, AI-driven ultrasound interpretation has shown promise in improving maternal and newborn outcomes. Such tools act as a “second pair of eyes,” making high-quality diagnostics more accessible.

Another promising area is AI-powered decision support systems. By analyzing patient data and identifying risk factors, these systems can prompt timely referrals or highlight warning signs during pregnancy. The World Health Organization has underscored the role of AI in strengthening primary care and guiding clinical decision-making in low-resource settings. With integration into electronic medical records, AI could enhance continuity of care across Cambodia’s growing health infrastructure.

Importantly, Cambodia is already investing in digital health innovation. The Digital Health Strategy 2021–2035 provides a roadmap for building smarter, more connected health systems. AI naturally fits into this vision—not as a replacement for healthcare workers, but as a supportive tool to amplify their expertise.

Responsible innovation for maternal health

Globally, there is growing momentum around ethical and equitable AI. The WHO guidance on ethics and governance of AI for health emphasizes that adoption must prioritize fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness. For Cambodia, this means ensuring that AI tools are designed to support—not burden—frontline providers, while keeping patient safety at the core.

The story of maternal health in Cambodia has been one of steady progress. With thoughtful investment in AI-enabled healthcare, the next chapter could bring even more equitable access to quality maternal care, helping ensure safe pregnancies and healthy beginnings for future generations.

Conclusion

AI holds real promise to help reduce maternal deaths and improve the quality of care. But it is not technology alone that will make childbirth safer—it is the thoughtful integration of innovation into already stretched health systems. If we approach AI with humility and equity, we can ensure it serves as a bridge, not a barrier, to maternal health for all.

Author: Dr Suren Kanayan is Administration Manager at Central Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. His work focuses on strengthening maternal health services, implementing digital health innovations, and promoting equitable access to quality care in resource-limited settings.

Competing interest: None

Handling Editor: Neha Faruqui