Pattern of Maternal Mortality in a Rural Referral Hospital: A Six Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objective: To find the frequency and the causes of maternal death in a rural medical college hospital. Method: Retrospective study of 72 maternal deaths over a period of 6 years from January 2007 to December 2012. Results: Over the study period there were 25,174 live births and 72 maternal deaths, maternal mortality rate being 286/lakh live births. Out of which hemorrhage was the leading cause and anemia being the indirect cause of maternal death. Most of the women died within a period of 24 hours of admission and were between the age group of 20-30 years. Most cases were unregistered and referred from outside. Conclusion: Maternal mortality rate in this study is 286. Out of which most of them could have been avoided if they had been registered and received proper antenatal care, with early diagnosis and timely intervention and early referral with well equipped transport facilities. Over all promotion of safe mother hood should be emphasized.