Maternal Mortality

Question 1

What are the main causes of Maternal mortality? UK vs Internationally?

Answer 1

UK

• indirect 2/3 - conditions worsened by pregnancy
• direct 1/3 - due to pregnancy
  
  • eclampsia
  • early pregnancy
  • bleeding
  • infection
  • VTE
  • AFE
  • other

Internaltionally

• Indirect <1/5
• bleeding is the leading cause
• infection
• early pregnancy
• obstructed labour

Question 2

What are some ways you can lower maternal mortality?

Answer 2

• contraception
  
  • prevents 270,000 deaths/year
  • meeting contraception needs
• educating girls
• skilled attendants at birth
• 4 antenatal visits
• data on maternal deaths

Question 3

What are some limiting factors in decreasing rates of maternal mortality in women?

Answer 3

• Decision to seek care
  
  • cost
  • fears
  • health literacy
  • consent
• delays reaching care
  
  • geographic
  • lack of transport
• delays receiving adequate care
  
  • staff
  • resources
  • language barrier
  • poor medical records

Question 4

What are the main contributors to perinatal mortality?

Answer 4

• decline due to both better housing but also vaccinations
• main cause today in Aus is anencephaly/malformations
• second most common cause is preterm delivery, 3rd most common is FGR/IUGR