Maternal Mortality At Tertiary Care Hospital In Rajasthan: A 10 - Year Review

Background: Maternal mortality in India continues to be unacceptably high. This study was done to evaluate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in our hospital, to assess the epidemiological aspects and causes of maternal mortality, and to suggest recommendations for improvement. Methods: This study was a 10 year retrospective study from year 2007 to 2016. Data was collected from the hospital record register, epidemiological factors and causes of maternal mortality were assessed. MMR was calculated. Results: Total 348 maternal deaths occurred in 10 years. The mean maternal mortality ratio in the study period was 253.13/100,000 live births. Most maternal deaths occurred in the age group of 21–25 years (47.4%), multiparous women (60.9%), women from rural areas (74.1%), unbooked patients (88.79%), and patients of low socioeconomic status (78.7%). Direct causes accounted for 66.95% of maternal deaths where as 33.045% of maternal deaths were due to indirect causes. Conclusion: Most of the causes of maternal deaths are preventable. Improvement in primary health care in rural areas, proper implementation of NRHM programs and up gradation of hospitals can bring down the number of maternal deaths.