Haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia leading causes of maternal mortality, study finds
Severe haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia are the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, according to a new study released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday.
The study is WHO's first global update on the causes of maternal mortality since 2015. It is based on data collected in 2020. In that year, about 287,000 women died during or shortly after childbirth worldwide, or about one every two minutes.
The leading causes were haemorrhage, in 27 per cent of cases, and pre-eclampsia, a sudden pregnancy condition linked to high blood pressure and the appearance of protein in the urine, in 16 per cent of cases.
Other major health problems, including infectious and chronic diseases such as AIDS, malaria and diabetes, accounted for nearly a quarter of maternal deaths. Infections, sepsis, complications from spontaneous or elective abortions and problems during childbirth were also identified as contributing factors.
Strengthening maternity care
The findings highlight the need to strengthen key aspects of maternity care, including prenatal services that identify risks early in pregnancy and prevent serious complications, essential obstetric care to manage childbirth emergencies such as haemorrhage or embolism, and postnatal care, WHO said.
Most maternal deaths occur during or shortly after childbirth, making it a critical time to save lives
WHO added that most maternal deaths occur during or shortly after childbirth, making it a critical time to save lives. The study was based on national data reported to WHO and peer-reviewed studies, although data on some causes remain limited.
The authors called for more comprehensive data on maternal suicide, which is currently available for only 12 countries.
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