Chapter 1

Question 1

Primary causes of maternal death

Answer 1

Postpartum hemorrhages

Postpartum infection (puerperal sepsis or “childbed fever”)

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Question 2

Primary causes of infant death

Answer 2

Prematurity

Dehydration from diarrhea

Contagious diseases

Question 3

Late 19th century, more physician-assisted hospital births took place rather than home births. This was because…

Answer 3

Technological developments that were available

Discovery by Semmelweis that puerperal infection could be prevented by hygienic practices

Development of forceps to facilitate birth

Discovery of chloroform to control pain

Use of drugs to initiate labor or increase uterine contractions

Advances in procedures (e.g., cesarean birth)