Maternal mortality

The Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths has provided important information about the causes of death, areas of sub-standard care, and vulnerable groups of women in the UK. The latest report has identified obesity as an important emerging theme. Thromboembolism is the most common direct cause and cardiac disease the most common indirect cause of maternal mortality. Deaths from suicide were fewer than in the previous triennium. Early recognition of serious illness and effective, multidisciplinary, team working are key to avoiding potentially avoidable maternal deaths.