The Postpartum Period: The Key to Maternal Mortality

Citation

Li, X. F.; Fortney, Judith A.; Kotelchuck, Milton; & Glover, Lucinda H. (1996). The Postpartum Period: The Key to Maternal Mortality. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 54(1), 1-10.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess postpartum care at an international level, we reviewed published literature on postpartum maternal deaths.
Methods: Meta-analysis was used to summarize the literature reviewed. Postpartum deaths in developing countries were compared with those in the United States.
Results: In both developing countries and the United States, > 60% of maternal deaths occurred in the postpartum period; 45% of postpartum deaths occurred within 1 day of delivery, > 65% within 1 week, > 80% within 2 weeks. In developing countries, 80% of postpartum deaths caused by obstetric factors occurred within 1 week.
Conclusions: The first 24 h postpartum and the first postpartum week is the high risk of postpartum deaths, and the risk remains significant until the second week after delivery. In developing countries, hemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension complications, and obstetric infection are commonest causes of postpartum deaths. We suggest primary prevention, early detection, and secondary prevention of postpartum deaths.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0020-7292(96)02667-7

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

1996

Journal Title

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics

Author(s)

Li, X. F.
Fortney, Judith A.
Kotelchuck, Milton
Glover, Lucinda H.