An Epidemiologic Study of Maternal Mortality in Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Pregnancy is a natural process in every woman's life, which its natural consequence is the birth of a child. But some pregnancies may end in maternal death. Therefore, in-depth study of effective factors in reducing maternal mortality due to pregnancy and complications of delivery can be significantly contributed to the promotion of pregnant women's care programs. The aim of this study was to determine the present status and effective factors of maternal death in Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

This descriptive study was conducted on the medical records of 30 pregnant women who were died due to pregnancy and delivery complications in 2002 to 2016. Data were collected from health centers in Baft, Bardsir, Zarand, Sirjan, and Kerman, which are under coverage of Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

The average age of pregnant women who were died was 31.5 years. Bleeding was the main direct cause and heart diseases were the main indirect cause of their death. Kerman had the highest maternal mortality rate and Baft city had the lowest maternal mortality rate. 

In order to effectively reduce the ratio of maternal deaths due to pregnancy and delivery complications, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of care before, during, and after delivery, and necessary sensitization with regard to targeted training.