WHAT CAUSES MATERNAL MORTALITY

Losing a wife and mother to maternal death (the death of a woman, while pregnant) can leave a family devastated and disintegrated

Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are responsible for maternal deaths. The maternal death count is calculated by  Maternal Mortality Rate, acronym, MMR.

The definition of maternal death:

According to the WHO, 'Maternal death is 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.'

Causes of maternal death:

1. Hemorrhaging is the number one cause of maternal deaths

2. Infection or sepsis

3. Anemia

4. Obstructed labor: when the size of the fetal head is disproportionate to the mother's pelvis

5. Complications during an abortion

6. Hypertensive disorders including high blood pressure, protein in the urine, edema, kidney failure and sudden weight gain

7. AIDS/HIV

8. Heart diseases

9. Hepatitis

10. Eclampsia (seizures during pregnancy, while giving birth or post labor)

Besides maternal deaths, women can also experience maternal morbidity, which is obstetric fistula (or vaginal fistula). This is a medical condition in which a fistula (hole) develops between either the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and the vagina. But, this can be easily treated and does not lead to death.

Compared to ages ago, maternal deaths have reduced significantly thanks to the advancement of medical field but pregnant teens and pregnant women in their 40s are more susceptible to maternal mortality given their not-prime-condition-to-give birth.

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