Maternal mortality is the occurrence of female deaths as a result of a cause that is related to or aggravated by pregnancy. It can occur during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of pregnancy termination. Maternal mortality is a major risk for women who are of childbearing age globally, especially in Nigeria.

It can be caused by many factors such as obstetric haemorrhage, eclampsia, preeclampsia, anaemia, sepsis, complications from unsafe abortion, cardiovascular conditions and poor antenatal care.

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the maternity mortality rate in Nigeria was 814 per 100,000 live births, making Nigeria one of the top countries in the world that contributes to maternity mortality. According to UNICEF, Nigeria accounts forv10% of global deaths for pregnant mothers. The lifetime risk of a Nigerian woman dying during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum or post-abortion is 1 In 22, in contrast to 1 in 4900 for developing countries.

Prevention of maternal mortality can be achieved when skilled care is given to women before, during and after pregnancy. The prevention of unwanted pregnancy also reduces the rate of maternal mortality. The antenatal screening which includes STI screening and full blood count must be carried out for early diagnosis of complications.

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References:

https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedical.com

www.joghr.org

www.researchgate.net

www.unicef.org

www.who.int