Severe haemorrhages and pre-eclampsia are the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, according to a new study published on Saturday by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The study is the first global update on the causes of maternal mortality by the WHO since 2015. It is based on data collected in 2020. That year, around 287,000 women globally died during or shortly after childbirth, equating to roughly one death every two minutes.
The leading causes were haemorrhages (27% of cases) and preeclampsia (16%), a sudden pregnancy-relatated condition linked to high blood pressure and the appearance of proteins in urine.
Other significant health issues, including infectious and chronic diseases such as AIDS, malaria, and diabetes, accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of maternal deaths.
The study also cites infections, sepsis, complications from spontaneous or elective pregnancy terminations, and problems during childbirth as contributing factors.
The findings highlight the need to strengthen key aspects of maternity care, including prenatal services that detect risks early in pregnancy and prevent severe complications, essential obstetric care to manage childbirth emergencies like haemorrhages or embolisms, and postnatal care, WHO said.
It added that most maternal deaths occur during or shortly after childbirth, making it a critical time to save lives.
The study relied on national data reported to the WHO and peer-reviewed studies, though data on some causes remain limited.
The authors called for more comprehensive data on maternal suicide, currently available for only 12 countries.
