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More pregnant women dying of infection – but overall decline in deaths

Figures showing a decline in maternal deaths have been welcomed by the Royal College of Midwives, despite a “shocking” rise in deaths from common infections.

The Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE) has launched its eighth report into maternal deaths in the UK, showing a fall over the past three years, despite a rise in the number of women dying from infection.

The report showed that between 2006-8, 29 women died from infections, up from 21 from 2003-5 and 13 from 2000-2. Group A Streptococcal (strep) infections were a particular concern, said Dr Imogen Stephens, clinical director at CMACE, who added: “It's shocking that something like infections - and infection from a reasonably well-known organism - is a major cause of maternal mortality.”

Overall, 261 women in the UK died from conditions directly or indirectly related to pregnancy from 2006-2008.

Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The fall in maternal deaths outlined in this report is very good news. However, we must not rest on our laurels and we must continue to do all we can to keep these figures going in the right direction.

“The rise in the number of women dying from infection is a concern. There is a real need for midwives to be aware of this, so that they can offer the right and timely advice to women. All pregnant and newly delivered women need to be informed of the risks and midwives must be on the lookout for symptoms. This is a problem that can start with seemingly innocuous symptoms, but which can have devastating and fatal effects, and we need to raise awareness of this as a matter of urgency.”

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