Maternal mortality in an obstetric unit.

Maternal deaths amongst 4641 deliveries over 5 years were analysed. ine overall maternal mortality was 27.4/1000 total births and 24.4/ 1000 when abortion deaths were excluded. Complications of pregnancy, labour and puerperium accounted for 72.4%, and indirect causes for 27.6 percent of deaths. Heamorrhage from all causes (29.9%) and sepsis including septic abortion (29.1%) were the commonest causes of maternal mortality. Majority of the patients (50.3%) were between 20 30 years of age and in the post partum period (62.2%). Mortality was high in those admitted in precarious condition. Of 127 deaths 109 were admitted in critical condition and 120 deaths were considered preventable. The commonest avoidable factor was patient’s attitude (JPMA 35 : 243, 1985).