Poflee, Sandhya VivekPatil, Rekha NarendraRaut, Waman K2020-09-242020-09-242020-02Poflee Sandhya Vivek, Patil Rekha Narendra, Raut Waman K. Pathological Study of Maternal Deaths - Experience from a Tertiary Care Centre in Central India. International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research . 2020 Feb; 7(2): b9-b132393-915X2454-7379http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/202814Introduction: Maternal death (MD) is defined as deathof a woman occurring while pregnant or within 42 days oftermination of pregnancy irrespective of the duration or itsmanagement. Accidental or incidental causes are not included.Maternal mortality rate (MMR) of the region indicates thequality of maternal health care, availability of health carefacilities and overall socio-economical status of the populationin general. It is essential to know the exact cause responsiblefor maternal death which is possible by detailed autopsy andcareful pathological study under expert guidance.Material and Methods: Autopsy study was performed in100 consecutive cases of maternal deaths, over a period of22 months. Detailed gross and microscopic examination ofthe visceral organs that included uterus, placenta was carriedout in all cases of maternal deaths. Analysis of pathologicalfindings was done in the light of available clinical data.Results: Out of the 100 cases of maternal deaths 87%belonged to age group of 21 to 30 years. There were 52%deaths in antenatal period. Direct causes were responsible formaternal deaths in 52% cases, indirect causes in 43% casesand in 5% cases the causes were coincidental.Conclusion: Direct causes of MD were more frequent thanindirect causes in the present study. Haemorrhage beingthe most common direct cause of MD. Lesser accessibilityto health care facilities at peripheral health centres for theprospective mothers is highlighted by the present study.Maternal DeathPathological StudyAutopsyCauses of Maternal Death.Journal ArticleIndiaAssociate Professor, Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, NagpurAssistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, NagpurProfessor and Head, Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Nagpur, India