Study of Maternal Deaths in Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. Historically, Maternal Death Reviews have been a very good tool to support improvements in health systems by analysing the key causes of deaths among pregnant women and those who have delivered. The present study was designed to assess maternal mortality ratio and direct as well as indirect causes of maternal mortality in a tertiary care hospital from the period of 1^st January 2015 to 31^st December 2017 after approval of institutional ethical committee. Analysis of maternal deaths over a period of 3 years It was observed that maternal mortality ratio was very high as compared to national figures. Majority of maternal deaths were reported in 20-30year age group and most of them were multigravida. Maximum maternal mortality was reported in rural and low socio-economic status population. Postpartum haemorrhage was leading direct cause of death while anaemia was leading indirect cause of death. Most of the maternal deaths can be prevented by educating females about regular ANC visits and by timely management using available resources.