Maternal death is a term that refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the postpartum period. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /məˈtɜːrnl dɛθ/, which indicates that the initial sound of the word is a schwa (ə) followed by the stressed syllable /ˈtɜːrnl/ and the unvoiced dental fricative /θ/. This term highlights the importance of access to quality healthcare for women during and after pregnancy to prevent the tragic consequences of maternal death.
Maternal death refers to the tragic occurrence of the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management. This condition is a key indicator of the quality and accessibility of a country's healthcare system and the well-being of its women.
The causes of maternal death can vary and may include direct obstetric causes, such as severe bleeding, infections, complications from unsafe abortions, hypertensive disorders, and obstructed labor. Other indirect causes may include medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, or pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Additionally, social factors like poverty, lack of education, and limited access to quality healthcare facilities may contribute to maternal mortality rates.
Measuring and reducing maternal deaths is a significant global health priority, as these deaths are largely preventable with appropriate and timely healthcare interventions. Improving access to skilled healthcare professionals, antenatal care, safe delivery practices, emergency obstetric care, and family planning services are vital strategies for reducing maternal mortality rates.
Efforts to reduce maternal deaths are reflected in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The target is to achieve a global maternal mortality ratio of less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, emphasizing the importance of every woman having access to quality maternal healthcare regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location.
The word "maternal" is derived from the Latin word "maternus", which means "of or pertaining to a mother". It is derived from the noun "mater", meaning "mother". The word "death" comes from the Old English word "dēaþ", which has Germanic roots. It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "dheugh-" or "dheu-", meaning "to die" or "to disappear". Therefore, the term "maternal death" refers to the death of a mother during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days after the end of pregnancy, regardless of the duration or site of pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management.