Know the 5 Causes of Maternal Death During Childbirth: What Are They?

Childbirth is a moment full of joy and hope for every mother. However, behind that happiness lies a considerable risk that can loom: maternal death during childbirth.

Although medical advances have made the delivery process safer, the reality is that several factors can still lead to a mother's death during childbirth. Knowing the causes is therefore very important for preventing this condition.

5 Causes of Maternal Death During Childbirth

The WHO defines maternal death during childbirth as a situation in which a mother dies during pregnancy, during labor, or within 42 days after giving birth (the postpartum period). Many factors can trigger this condition. Some of them include:

A. Complications and Bleeding During Childbirth

Bleeding is one of the main causes of a mother's death during childbirth. This condition can occur due to retained placenta, uterine rupture, or blood clotting disorders. Retained placenta happens when the placenta does not fully come out after the baby is born, which can cause severe bleeding.

Uterine rupture, especially in cases involving a previous surgery, can result in internal bleeding. Meanwhile, blood clotting disorders caused by genetic factors or certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of bleeding, which can lead to maternal death during childbirth.

B. Infection

Another cause is infection, which is a serious threat to mothers during labor and after childbirth. This condition can occur for various reasons.

These include non-sterile delivery procedures, poor postpartum care, or unhygienic environmental conditions. Infection can cause high fever, sepsis, uterine infection (endometritis), or systemic infection that threatens life.

C. High Blood Pressure Disorders (Preeclampsia)

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious disorders related to high blood pressure during pregnancy. This condition can cause serious organ damage, such as kidney failure, liver damage, or other pregnancy complications, all of which can lead to the risk of death during childbirth.

This condition is generally marked by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage in pregnant women. If it is not properly treated, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, which is marked by life-threatening seizures.

D. Medical History

Some pregnant women may have certain medical histories, such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders, which can increase the risk of serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Therefore, proper management of these conditions during pregnancy is important to minimize the risk of life-threatening complications.

E. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Another cause of death during childbirth is peripartum cardiomyopathy. This is a rare condition that occurs in mothers during pregnancy or after delivery.

This condition is marked by a sudden decline in heart function, which can lead to heart failure. Although its exact cause is not yet fully understood, the condition can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and other vital organs, threatening the mother's life within a short time.

Efforts to Prevent the Risk of Maternal Death During Childbirth

The following are some efforts you can make to prevent a mother's death during the delivery process:

1. Regular and Proper Prenatal Care

Attending regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring the health of the pregnant mother and the fetus. These routine check-ups can help identify certain health risks and ensure that any medical conditions that may affect the pregnancy are addressed early.

This is therefore the earliest preventive step against the risk of death during childbirth.

2. Health Education and Counseling

Providing health education to pregnant women and their families about warning signs during pregnancy and childbirth is very important. Good education can help raise awareness of the risk factors associated with the delivery process.

In addition, health counseling during pregnancy can also teach them what actions to take in the event of an emergency.

3. Access to Quality Health Services

Ensuring easy access to quality health services is essential for preventing the risk of maternal death during childbirth. Adequate health facilities, along with appropriate medicines and medical equipment, should be available to pregnant women, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

4. Meeting Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy

Proper nutrition during pregnancy plays a crucial role in ensuring the mother's health and the fetus's growth. During pregnancy, mothers need to make sure they get a balanced diet that includes all the nutrients they need.

This includes protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. By paying attention to a balanced and healthy nutritional intake during pregnancy, mothers can help reduce the risk of complications.

5. Proper Postpartum Care

Another effort to prevent the risk of death during childbirth is providing proper care after delivery. Good postpartum care includes monitoring for signs of infection, monitoring blood pressure, and more.

6. Training for Medical Staff

With well-trained medical staff, the ability to detect and manage health problems related to pregnancy will also improve.

Now You Know the Causes of Maternal Death During Childbirth?

A thorough understanding of the causes of death during childbirth is important. Early detection of risks such as preeclampsia, bleeding, and postpartum infection can help minimize the risk of maternal death.

On the other hand, even after passing the risky phase of birth, tragic situations can sometimes happen, such as death during childbirth. In facing this, the funeral services of Kamboja are ready to help the family left behind through this difficult time.

You can take the time to look for ways to cope with feelings of sadness and leave all funeral arrangements to Kamboja from start to finish. From handling the body and transport, to the death certificate, the cemetery (TPU), or sending flower arrangements to comfort those who are grieving.

Kamboja offers a range of funeral packages that can be adjusted to the family's preferences. To date, Kamboja has helped many families send off their loved ones with love and respect. Contact Kamboja's contact to prepare for your time of mourning well.