Trend of Maternal Mortality in a Tertiary Care Centre, Rajasthan - A Retrospective Study

Background: Mother is the pillar of the family and maternal deaths during pregnancy and delivery are great loss to baby, family, society and country too. Epidemiological data pertaining to maternal mortality is valuable in each set-up to design interventional programs to reduce the ratio favourably. This study was design to evaluate the mortality rate in our hospital, to assess the epidemiological aspects and causes of maternal mortality, types of delay, and to suggest recommendations for improvement. Methods: A retrospective study was done at a tertiary level care centre from January 2017 to December 2018. Demographic data and other data were collected from maternal death review forms and case records. Data studied and analyzed. Results: In a 2-year study period, 67 mortalities were recorded with MMR of 158. More deaths were recorded in rural (64.17 %), illiterate (71.64 %) and multigravida (70.15 %). PPH was main cause of death (35 %) followed by eclampsia (21 %), sepsis (19 %), severe preeclampsia (13 %), APH (8 %) and amniotic fluid embolism (4 %). Conclusion: High risk cases should be identified. Early referral, easy transport, continued skill based training, monitoring of health services can reduce maternal mortality. Special training should be conducted for ASHA workers and ANM who generally works at grass root level in our country. Continued medical training is required for medical officers who are working at PHC and sub district hospital for early recognition of high risk women and their referral in time to higher centers to avoid maternal near miss or death.