Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Causes Quiz

Introduction

Maternal morbidity refers to any health complications that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the postpartum period. These complications can range from mild to severe and may increase the risk of death. Maternal mortality, also known as maternal mortality ratio, is the number of women who die per 100,000 live births due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Several factors contribute to these outcomes, including hemorrhage, infection, hypertensive disorders, and unsafe abortion. This article explores each of these causes in detail.

Causes

Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, accounting for 28% of all maternal deaths. It can occur due to various factors, such as:

1. Obstetric causes, including placental problems, placental abruption, and uterine rupture.
2. Non-obstetric causes, including surgical complications, anesthetic complications, and coagulation disorders.

Infection (Puerperal Sepsis)

Infection is the second leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for 14% of all maternal deaths. Puerperal sepsis, also known as childbed fever, occurs when bacteria enter the body through the cervix, vagina, or episiotomy site during delivery and spread throughout the reproductive tract after giving birth. Improved sanitation, better access to healthcare, and more effective antibiotics have reduced the incidence of puerperal sepsis, but it remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.

Hypertensive Disorders (Pre-Eclampsia & Eclampsia)

Hypertension during pregnancy is called pre-eclampsia if it arises after week 20 of gestation, accompanied by proteinuria (protein in urine). It is one of the most common medical disorders complicating pregnancy and affects approximately 5% of pregnant women worldwide. Pre-eclampsia can progress into eclampsia, characterized by tonic-clonic seizures, which significantly increases the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Unsafe Abortion

Unsafe abortion accounts for nearly 13% of maternal deaths globally. It is defined as a procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy either by persons lacking the necessary skills, or in an environment without minimal medical standards, or both. Consequences of unsafe abortion include:

1. Septicemia and tetanus from unsanitary conditions.
2. Anesthesia-related complications.
3. Maternal injury from improperly performed procedures.
4. Post-abortion complications such as retained products of conception, incomplete abortion, septic shock, and hemorrhage.

In conclusion, while great strides have been taken towards reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, there remains urgent need to address the contributing factors, particularly in low-resource settings.