The perils of giving birth in war-torn Gaza

Amid the chaos, destruction and uncertainty of Israel's siege on the Gaza Strip, one group stands out among the most vulnerable -- mothers with their newborn babies.

LONDON and GAZA -- Amid the chaos, destruction and uncertainty of Israel's siege on the neighboring Gaza Strip, one group stands out among the most vulnerable -- mothers with their newborn babies. Aid agencies are growing increasingly concerned for their wellbeing.

"Women face elevated risks during pregnancy and post-delivery, placing their newborns in jeopardy due to the dire humanitarian situation and the absence or limited access to nutrition, hygiene and basic health services," Ammar M. Ammar, regional chief of advocacy and communication for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, told ABC News.

"Pregnancy during conflict is linked to an increase in miscarriages, congenital abnormalities, stillbirths, preterm labor, maternal mortality and mental health," he added. "And the trauma of war can also directly affect newborns."

An estimated 180 mothers a day are giving birth in war-torn Gaza each day, according to UNICEF.

"These women are unable to access the emergency obstetric services they need to give birth safely and care for their newborns,” Ammar said. “Women are having to give birth in shelters, in their homes, in the streets amid rubble, or in overwhelmed health care facilities, where sanitation is worsening, and the risk of infection and medical complications is on the rise."