Definition:
Maternal death pertains to the death of a woman during or shortly after pregnancy that arises from factors or circumstances related to pregnancy or childbirth. It is also referred to as obstetrical death or maternal mortality.
Diagnosis:
Maternal death is rarely ever predicted. If there is a need to determine the cause of maternal death, an autopsy may be an option.
Treatment:
Maternal death requires no treatment. However, preventive steps may be taken to avoid conditions usually associated with maternal death.
Symptoms and Signs:
Maternal death is death that occurs while a woman is pregnant or within 42 days after her pregnancy was terminated, arising from complications related to the pregnancy itself but not from any accidental/incidental causes.
Causes:
The most common factors that contribute to maternal death are: variants of gestational hypertension (such as HELLP syndrome and pre-eclampsia); bacterial infections; ectopic pregnancy; obstetrical hemorrhage; amniotic fluid embolism; puerperal sepsis; and complications from abortions. Risk factors that can lead to maternal death are poor nutrition and medical care. In some cases, maternal death occurs when a mother tries to terminate the pregnancy herself.
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