Causes

Description

Percentage

Interventions

Hemorrhage

The most important cause is post partum hemorrhage. Other causes are ante partum hemorrhage, retained placenta, bleeding due to abortions, ectopic pregnancy. Hemorrhage is more if it associated with anemia during pregnancy.

20-25%

pregnancy.

Skilled attendant at delivery.

Prevention and treatment of hemorrhage.

Use oxytocics in time.

Replace fluid loss.

Blood transfusion in severe cases.

Infection

It is associated with labour and puerperium. Infections from premature rupture of membranes, prolonged and obstructed labour

15-20%

Skilled attendant birth.

Clean practices during delivery.

Antibiotics if the infection is evident.

Hypertension during pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia

12-15%

Early detection.

Approprial referral.

Ant seizure prophylaxis/treatment with magnesium sulfate

Unsafe abortion

Illegal abortions

10-13%

Skilled attendant.

Antibiotics after evacuation.

Family planning and safe abortion services.

Post abortion care.

Obstructed labour

Due to cephalo pelvic disproportion, abnormal lie or Malpresentations

8%

Use of Partograph.

Early detection.

Operative delivery

Anemia

It is indirect cause for death. Anemia is commonly caused due to dietary deficiency like iron, folic acid, iodine, micronutrients or infections

15-20%

Routine iron-folic acid supplementation.

Treat hook worm, malaria, HIV etc.

Admit if the hemoglobin is less than 7gm and transfuse blood

Other causes like viral hepatitis, coagulation failure, post partum hemorrhage

Death can be due to hepatic coma, coagulation failure and post partum hemorrhage

5-10%

Safe drinking water.

Immunization.

Appropriate referral and supportive care.