Maternal Mortality: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Context: Maternal death signifies the quality of health care provided in the population. Pregnancy although a physiological state, carries risk of serious maternal morbidity and mortality sometimes. Majority of the maternal deaths in developing countries are preventable. Objective: To find the causes of maternal mortality over a period of 5.3years at a tertiary care hospital. Material And Methods: Retrospective study of 45 deaths from JAN 2009 TO MARCH 2014. Maternal mortality ratio and causes were analysed and compared. Results: Over the study period MMR was 277/1, 00,000 LIVE BIRTHS .The leading direct cause was SEPSIS (51.11%) & Indirect cause was ANAEMIA (62.2 %). Conclusions: Maternal mortality can be prevented with proper identification and care .There is change in the trend of causes of maternal mortality. Strengthening of the first referral units with equipments, adequately competent staff and blood bank can decrease maternal mortality and morbidity. Contributing factors should be tackled to decrease death of young female. Auditing the reasons for maternal mortality in a resource poor country is extremely helpful in not only identifying the reasons but also in identifying the preventable causes of maternal mortality.