Maternal and Perinatal Mortality

Question 1

What is maternal mortality?

Answer 1

The death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes

Question 2

What is maternal mortality ratio?

Answer 2

Number of maternal deaths during given time period per 100, 00 livebirths in same time period

Question 3

What is the maternal mortality rate?

Answer 3

Number of maternal deaths in given time period per 100, 000 women of reproductive age in same time period

Question 4

What is the proportionate mortality ratio?

Answer 4

Maternal deaths as proportion of all female deaths of those of reproductive age in a given time period

Question 5

What are the methods for measuring maternal deaths?

Answer 5

Facility Based: health information systems, registries, confidential enquiries, maternal death review and audit
Population/Community Based: notification by law, vital registration, census and surveys/surveillance

Question 6

How are maternal deaths divided into categories?

Answer 6

• Direct deaths: those related to complications during pregnancy, labour or puerperium or any treatment received
• Indirect deaths: those associated with a disorder which is exacerbated by pregnancy
• Late deaths: occur >42 days after the end of pregnancy but within one year

Question 7

What are the common causes of maternal deaths worldwide?

Answer 7

Haemorrhage, sepsis, hypertensive disorders, obstructed labour and unsafe abortion

Question 8

What are the three categories in the 3 delays model?

Answer 8

• Delay in decision to seek care
• Delays in reaching care
• Delays in receiving care

Question 9

How can maternal mortality be prevented?

Answer 9

Antenatal care, skilled attendant at birth and emergency obstetric care

Question 10

What is the definition of still birth?

Answer 10

Birth of a dead baby after 20/24/28 weeks of gestation or weighing more than 500g

Question 11

What is the definition of early neonatal death?

Answer 11

Death of a baby within the first week of life

Question 12

What is the definition of late neonatal death?

Answer 12

Death of a baby within the first 28 days of life

Question 13

What is the definition of infant mortality?

Answer 13

Death of an infant within the first year of life

Question 14

What is the definition of child mortality?

Answer 14

Death of a child within the first five years of life

Question 15

What are the common causes of stillbirths?

Answer 15

Congenital abnormality, cord, fetal, infection, intrapartum, maternal, neonatal, placental and termination

Question 16

What are the key features of essential newborn care?

Answer 16

• Ensure the baby is breathing
• Start the newborn on exclusive breastfeeding straight away
• Keep the baby warm
• Wash hands before touching the baby