Maternal mortality: analysis of causes and preventable factors

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study of maternal deaths is to analyze the causes, whether preventable or not and if preventable to find out the factors that can decrease the maternal mortality. Methods: A retrospective study of maternal deaths from January 2015 to December 2015. Results: There was a total of 56 maternal deaths out of 6976 live births giving the MMR of 802/1,00,000 live births. The MMR is high as it is an institution MMR and this is tertiary care institution which caters to 3 districts. Late referrals were 64.28%. The majority of deaths were in the 21-25 age groups and around term 33 (58.92%). Hypertensive disorders was the commonest cause of death 15 (26.78%) followed by hemorrhage 10 (17.8%) and sepsis 7 (12.5%) and CVT 7 (12.5%). 90% of cases were preventable. Conclusions: Hypertensive disorder pregnancy was found to be the direct major causes of death. Although booking level is high, health education of women, early identification of PIH and its management, early identification of anaemia and prompt correction, early referral, judicious use of IV fluids, blood products and drugs can prevent more than 90% of maternal deaths.