Maternal Morbidity and Mortality

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to maternal morbidity and mortality described in the lecture notes.

Maternal Mortality

The death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and outcome, from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy.

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

A measure calculated using the number of direct, indirect, and unclassified maternal deaths expressed as a number per 100,000 births.

Direct Maternal Deaths

Deaths resulting from obstetric complications of pregnancy or its management.

Indirect Maternal Deaths

Deaths from diseases or conditions not due to a direct obstetric cause but aggravated by physiological effects of pregnancy.

Coincidental Maternal Deaths

Deaths that occurred during or shortly after pregnancy but are causally unrelated to the pregnancy.

Severe Acute Maternal Morbidity (SAMM)

Measured as an admission to an ICU during pregnancy and up to 42 days after birth.

Risk Factors for Maternal Mortality

Factors include maternal age, indigenous status, parity, smoking status, remoteness, and direct or indirect causes.

Contributors to Maternal Mortality

Mental health or social issues, access to care, poor antenatal attendance, lack of recognition of severity of illness, substance abuse, family violence, and obesity.

Global Trends in Maternal Mortality

Maternal mortality declined by 47 percent globally over the last two decades, with significant improvements in certain regions.

Family Planning Access

A key factor in preventing maternal mortality, with many women globally expressing a desire to delay or avoid pregnancy without having access to necessary services.