Study of Maternal Mortality in a Tertiary Care Hospital, KGH

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality is 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 the accidental or incidental causes. Maternal mortality is a key indicator of health services provided to population and reflects the health status of community. Methodology: This is a retrospective study of maternal deaths that occurred in King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam over a period of 1year (January 2019 to December 2019). Data is analysed using case sheets. Various causes of maternal deaths in this teaching hospital are identified. Results: In the study period there were 7568 deliveries and 69 maternal deaths. The direct causes accounted for 45 with hypertensive disorders, haemorrhage, sepsis as leading causes of maternal mortality. The indirect causes accounted for 24 with dengue fever, anaemia, heart disease and jaundice as leading causes of maternal mortality. Conclusion: Health education, regular antenatal checkups, early recognition of high risk cases, timely intervention, early referral, better transportation services in remote and tribal areas are needed to reduce maternal mortality.