latest health care news

09.12.14

Fewer deaths following childbirth, but more lives can be saved

The number of women dying in or around childbirth has dropped over the last decade, but more could be done to save the lives of new mums, according to a new report. 

The ‘Saving Lives, Improving Mothers' Care’ report, led by Oxford University's National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, found that the overall number of deaths has dropped from 11 in every 100,000 in 2006-08 to 10 in every 100,000 in 2010-12. 

However, the researchers found that among the 321 women who died in childbirth in 2009-12, most had conditions caused or exacerbated by pregnancy. Two-thirds of the deaths were a result of medical and mental health problems in pregnancy, rather than direct complications such as bleeding. 

Marian Knight, Professor of Maternal and Child Population Health at Oxford University, said that although having a baby was becoming less and less deadly, better antenatal care and simple precautions were needed. 

“Indirect deaths are the biggest area where we need to see some action,” she said. “I cannot overemphasise the importance of flu vaccinations during pregnancy.” 

She urged prospective mothers, especially those with pre-existing conditions, to be persistent about getting the best care. In response to the findings, the Royal College of Midwives’ director for midwifery, Louise Silverton, said: “We welcome this long-awaited report and the drop in maternal deaths due to pregnancy complications, such as eclampsia, blood loss or blood clots. 

“However, we remain concerned about the high level of deaths amongst women with pre-existing medical conditions, such as a cardiac or neurological condition. The NHS needs to do more to prioritise these women’s care in its already overstretched maternity services. Through our Pressure Points campaign, the RCM has been campaigning and lobbying to improve postnatal care, especially during the vital first 24 hours after giving birth.” 

The report prompted renewed warnings from Public Health England (PHE) that pregnant women are at increased risk of complications and death from flu compared with other healthy adults. 

Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation for PHE, said: “Getting flu during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth or having a low weight baby. Having the vaccination reduces the chances of getting flu, which in turn means the risk of these complications is significantly reduced.” 

Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, added that  thanks to the care and expertise of midwives, giving birth in the UK is very safe, and the risk very small. 

“It’s positive that the number of deaths has reduced, but everyone is a tragedy and the lessons to be learnt from this inquiry should help make these tragedies less common,” he said. “The key issues raised in this report are sepsis and flu, and more can be done to prevent both of these risks. Early recognition of sepsis, followed by swift treatment, can make the difference between life and death. Many deaths from flu can be prevented by better uptake of the vaccination, and efforts must be stepped up to inform pregnant women about the benefits of vaccination.” 

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