Maternal deaths in the UK paints a grim picture, with a surge in maternal death rates not witnessed for almost 20 years, said a new study. Led by the Oxford Population Health’s National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, the investigation sheds light on concerning trends and factors contributing to this alarming rise.
SOARING MATERNAL DEATH RATES
The maternal death rate for women who died during or shortly after pregnancy has soared to 13.41 deaths per 100,000 maternities in 2020-22. This marks a significant increase from the previous three-year period (2017-19), where the rate was 8.79 deaths per 100,000 maternities.
Excluding deaths related to COVID-19, the maternal death rate for 2020-22 (11.54 deaths per 100,000 maternities) remains higher than the rate reported for 2017-19. The data highlights a concerning upward trend regardless of the pandemic’s impact.
LEADING CAUSES OF MATERNAL DEATH
Thrombosis and thromboembolism emerge as the leading causes of maternal death, followed closely by COVID-19, heart disease, and mental health-related causes. Understanding and addressing these primary factors are crucial in improving maternal care.
ETHNIC DISPARITIES PERSIST
While the maternal death rate for Black women has seen a slight decrease from 2019-21, they remain three times more likely to die compared to White women. Similarly, women from Asian ethnic backgrounds have a maternal death rate two times higher than that of White women. Addressing ethnic disparities is a critical aspect of maternal healthcare.
SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT
Women residing in the most deprived areas experience such deaths more than twice that of women in the least deprived areas. This stark contrast underscores the need for a holistic approach, addressing underlying socioeconomic factors impacting maternal health.
Professor Marian Knight, Director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit and MBRRACE-UK maternal reporting lead, expresses deep concern about the return of maternaldeath rates to levels unseen in two decades. Urgent attention is needed to prioritize pre-pregnancy health, combat conditions like overweight and obesity, and implement inclusive and personalized care.
Dr Nicola Vousden, Co-Chair of the Faculty of Public Health Women’s Health Specialist Interest Group, emphasizes the need to address persisting inequalities in ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Beyond maternity care, structural factors like housing, education, and access to healthy environments must be considered to enhance overall maternal well-being.
The surge in maternal death rates in the UK demands immediate and comprehensive action. Beyond the clinical aspects, addressing socioeconomic factors, promoting inclusivity, and prioritizing pre-pregnancy health are crucial steps. As the full Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care report is awaited, the urgency to tackle the root causes of this concerning trend has never been more evident.
