Chagalmarai Amulya1, Tulugu Sasi Kala2, Thadepalle Nagamani3, Boodakayala Rama Satya Divya4
BACKGROUND
Pregnancy and childbirth is a normal physiological process bringing a joyful experience to individuals and families. However, in many parts of the world, pregnancy and childbirth is a perilous journey, a risky and potentially fatal experience for millions of women especially in developing countries. Maternal mortality ratio is a very sensitive index that reflects the quality of reproductive care provided to the pregnant women. The aim of the study is to assess the maternal mortality ratio and causes of maternal death over a period of one year at a tertiary care teaching hospital (King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam), Andhra Pradesh.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective hospital-based study of 70 maternal deaths over a period of one year from January 2006 to December 2006. The information regarding demographic profile and reproductive parameters were collected and results are analysed using percentage and proportions.
RESULTS
Over the study period, there were 6800 deliveries giving MMR of 1029.4/1,00,000 livebirths. Severe preeclampsia leading to eclampsia was the direct leading cause, while sepsis was indirect leading cause. Most women died within 25-165 hrs. of admission. The age group of 19-24 yrs. were mainly affected and most of the cases are unbooked, which were referred from other centers.
CONCLUSION
Most maternal deaths are preventable by optimum utilisation of existing MCH facilities, identifying the bottlenecks in health delivery system, early identification of high-risk pregnancies and their timely referral to tertiary care centre.
