Infections during and after delivery rank third in India’s maternal death causes

Hyderabad: The leading causes of maternal deaths in India include obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancy-related infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Pre and post-delivery infections are also considered a crucial issue, though the maternal mortality rate (MMR) has fallen to 99 per 1 lakh live births.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that countries reduce the MMR to 70 per 1 lakh live births by 2030 as part of the sustainable development goals (SDG).

The experts suggest early detection, following appropriate strategies and extra care for high-risk pregnancies to further reduce the MMR and safeguard the mother and child during delivery.

The number of deaths is higher in poor states and women in the 20-29 years age group, while around 23,800 deaths happened in 2020 alone.

Third leading cause of maternal deaths

As per the press release from Green Health Woman & Child Hospital, a new venture of the GVK Enterprise, infections during and post-delivery are the third leading cause of maternal deaths. This can be prevented by early detection, and by following appropriate strategies to prevent and treat the infections.

Further, the complications before delivery can also pose a significant risk to maternal health. Other reasons for maternal deaths include hypertensive disorders, complications from delivery and unsafe abortions. The need for awareness of pregnancy and delivery-related complications, and improving quality at primary healthcare levels are suggested to reduce the MMR.

Common threats during and post-delivery

Critical concerns include life-threatening infections such as dengue, hepatitis, and viral pneumonia (including COVID-19, Swine flu, and community-acquired pneumonia). Advanced maternal age, IVF pregnancies and diabetic conditions enhance the risks of infections and necessary interventions.

A panel of experts from different hospitals discussed ‘Enhancing maternal outcomes’ as part of the launch of the hospitals and deliberated on evidence-based strategies for reducing preventable maternal deaths.

The expert panel focused on the following key areas:

- Early detection and prevention of delivery complications

- Management protocols for high-risk pregnancies

- Infection prevention and control strategies

- Enhanced maternal care protocols

- Improving both maternal and neonatal outcomes