MATERNAL DEATH REVIEW TO KNOW THE DETERMINANTS OF MATERNAL MORTALITY IN A DISTRICT HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA

Background: Avoiding maternal deaths is possible even in resource-limited countries, but r correct information on which to base maternal health programmes is required. Knowing the level of maternal mortality is not enough to prevent further deaths; there is need to understand the underlying factors that led to the deaths. Maternal death review is one of the oldest and the most documented methods that can be effective in improving emergency obstetric care and maternal outcomes. Objectives: To study the maternal deaths in a District level tertiary health care unit so as to find the determinants of maternal mortality and suggest local solutions. Methods: Maternal deaths occurring in a tertiary care district hospital were analysed using maternal death review form. Socio demographic profile, antenatal care, labour and delivery parameters and cause of death was studied. Analysis was done using computer software stata. Results: In the present study there were 12 maternal deaths among 4953 deliveries giving a Maternal Mortality ratio of 242.27 per 1,00,000 live births. Pulmonary embolism was the leading cause of death complicating obstetric disorders of pregnancy induced hypertension and eclampsia. Most of the women died in the postpartum period. The affected population was rural, illiterate and belonged to the 19-29 years age group. Conclusions: Maternal death review is an important tool for delineating the causes of maternal deaths and finding cause specific and need based local solutions for curtailing maternal mortality.