Maternal and perinatal mortality

Question 1

Define maternal morbidity

Answer 1

Severe health complications occurring in pregnancy and delivery not resulting in death

Question 2

Define maternal mortality

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is considered the reproductive age range?

Answer 3

15-49

Question 4

Maternal Mortality Ratio

Answer 4

The risk associated with each pregnancy, i.e. the obstetric risk

Question 5

Maternal Mortality Rate

Answer 5

Takes into account not only the obstetric risk, but also the frequency with which women are exposed to that risk

Question 6

How are the number of maternal deaths recorded in a health care facility? (4)

Answer 6

Health information systems
Registries

Confidential Enquiries

Maternal death review

Audit

Question 7

How are the number of maternal deaths recorded in across a population? (4)

Answer 7

Notification by law - if at home

Vital registration - identified on birth and death registries

Census

Surveys or surveillance

Question 8

Define puerperium / post-partum period

Answer 8

The period of about 6 weeks after childbirth during which the mother’s reproductive organs return to their original non-pregnant condition.

Question 9

What is a direct death during pregnancy?

Answer 9

Obstetric complications during pregnancy, labour or puerperium (6 weeks) or resulting from any treatment received - makes up 87% of maternal deaths

Eg: Haemorrhage, Sepsis, Preeclampsia, Obstructed labour or Unsafe Abortion

Question 10

Indirect death during pregnancy

Answer 10

A death associated with a disorder, the effect of which is exacerbated by pregnancy e.g Malaria

Contributes to 13% of maternal deaths

Question 11

When is a ‘late death’ after pregnancy?

Answer 11

≥42 days but within one year after end of pregnancy

Question 12

Common causes of maternal deaths worldwide

Answer 12

Haemorrhage

Unsafe abortion

Hypertensive disorder

Sepsis

Question 13

What was the biggest cause of maternal deaths in the UK according to the latest report?

Answer 13

Cardiac disease

Question 14

Maternal deaths occur because of delays at what 3 crucial stages?

Answer 14

Delay in decision to seek care

Delay in reaching care

Delay in receiving care

Question 15

How can maternal mortality be prevented?

Answer 15

Antenatal care - 4 visits, monitoring weight, blood pressure and proteinuria, folic acid, malaria prophylaxis

Skilled attendant at birth

Emergency obstetric care - clean delivery, blood transfusion, c-section, manual removal of placenta/products of conception

Question 16

Different terminology given to infant mortality depending on timing?

Answer 16

Still birth
Livebirth
Neonatal death
Infant mortality 
Child mortality

Question 17

Infant mortality vs child mortality

Answer 17

Infant mortality: Death of an infant within the first year of life

Child mortality: Death of a child within the first 5 years of life

Question 18

What is considered essential newborn care?

Answer 18

Ensuring that the baby is breathing

Starting exclusive breastfeeding right away

Keeping the baby warm

Washing hands before touching the baby