Maternal death

Maternal death or maternal mortality refers to the passing of a woman due to complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth. While many of these deaths are preventable, disparities persist globally, particularly in impoverished regions.

Definition

The World Health Organization (WHO) characterizes maternal death as "the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes."[1] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expands this definition to encompass deaths occurring up to a year after the conclusion of pregnancy.[3]

Performance Indicators

While both maternal mortality ratio and maternal mortality rate are denoted by the acronym "MMR", they should not be confused with one another.[4]

Global Overview

By 2017, the global maternal mortality rate had dropped by 44% since 1990. Nonetheless, 830 women die daily due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth.[5]

Causes

The reasons for maternal deaths are diverse, ranging from excessive bleeding to complications during labor.

Unsafe Abortion

Abortions conducted in non-sterile environments or by individuals lacking appropriate medical training can lead to severe complications or even death.

Risks for Unsafe Abortion

• Lack of access to quality healthcare facilities.
• Stigma associated with abortion leading to clandestine procedures.
• Legal restrictions surrounding abortion.

Measuring Rates for Unsafe Abortion

The prevalence of unsafe abortions can be gauged through hospital admission rates, surveys, and modeling techniques.

Prevention for Unsafe Abortion

• Comprehensive sexual education.
• Access to family planning services.
• Ensuring safe and legal abortion services.

The Three Delays Model

This model identifies three primary delays faced by women in receiving adequate maternal care: 1. Delay in deciding to seek care. 2. Delay in reaching an appropriate healthcare facility. 3. Delay in receiving the required care upon arriving at the facility.

Measurement

Various metrics and methodologies are employed to measure and analyze maternal mortality.

Trends

A 44% reduction in maternal mortality was observed globally between 1990 and 2017.[5]

Variation within Countries

Disparities often exist within countries, with rural areas typically experiencing higher maternal mortality rates than urban centers.

Maternal Mortality in the United States

The U.S., despite its advanced healthcare system, has seen a rise in maternal deaths, with significant racial and socio-economic disparities.

Prevention

Efforts to mitigate maternal deaths encompass a multi-faceted approach.

Medical Technologies

Technological advancements, such as improved diagnostic tools, can play a pivotal role in early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications.

Medications

Drugs like oxytocin can prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth, one of the leading causes of maternal deaths.

Public Health

• Public awareness campaigns.
• Comprehensive sexual education.
• Improved prenatal and antenatal care.

Policy

• Ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare.
• Strengthening health infrastructure.
• Fostering collaborations between governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

Epidemiology

Over 85% of maternal deaths occur in under-resourced communities, predominantly in Africa and Asia.[5]

Related Terms

Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM)

SMM refers to severe complications during childbirth or postpartum that can have lasting implications on a woman's health.

See Also

• World Health Organization
• Reproductive Health
• Childbirth

External Links

• World Health Organization: Maternal Mortality
• UNFPA: Maternal Health

Maternal death Resources
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