A new World Health Organization (WHO) study revealed that severe bleeding and hypertensive disorders, such as preeclampsia, are the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide
Just in 2020, these conditions were responsible for around 80,000 and 50,000 deaths, which showed the continued struggle for many women to access essential lifesaving medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Addressing the leading causes of maternal deaths
This study was published in The Lancet Global Health and is the first update on the WHO’s cause of maternal mortality since the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.
The study outlines the leading cause of maternal deaths and also emphasises other health conditions that contribute significantly to maternal mortality.
Chronic diseases like diabetes, anemia, and infections such as HIV/AIDS and malaria are responsible for nearly a quarter (23%) of deaths during pregnancy and childbirth. These conditions often go undetected until they cause severe complications.
The study further highlights the serious toll these health issues take on women, with an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths in 2020, equating to one death every two minutes.
Hemorrhage, which is most common during or after childbirth, accounts for 27% of maternal deaths. Meanwhile, preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders contribute to an additional 16%. Preeclampsia, characterised by high blood pressure, can lead to serious complications, including strokes, organ failure, and seizures if left untreated.
The report also highlights other major causes of maternal deaths, including sepsis, pulmonary embolism, complications from abortions, and complications arising from anesthesia during childbirth. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen maternity care worldwide, particularly in lower-income countries where many women still do not receive essential postnatal checks in the critical days following birth.
Changing the future of women’s health
A large number of maternal deaths occur during or shortly after childbirth, showing why it is important to improve antenatal care and emergency obstetric services to address complications such as hemorrhage or embolism.
Almost a third of women in lower-income nations do not receive the necessary postnatal care, which could help detect risks early and prevent fatal outcomes.
The study emphasises a larger need for preventive measures to reduce the incidence of underlying health conditions, such as chronic diseases and malnutrition, contributing to maternal risks.
A new approach to maternal health is essential to improve outcomes, as conditions like preeclampsia often increase the likelihood of other complications, including bleeding.
Now that the WHO has relied on this study, we understand better the need for improved data on maternal deaths, particularly suicide, which is underreported, and late maternal deaths that occur beyond the first year after childbirth.
Supporting women struggling with mental health
Mental health support remains a major gap in postnatal care, as many women struggle to access necessary follow-up care.
To respond to this, WHO has launched new initiatives, such as the global Roadmap for Postpartum Haemorrhage, which hopes to reduce the risk of this leading cause of maternal death.
The 2024 World Health Assembly also saw 194 countries pass a resolution to strengthen quality care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. These efforts are part of a bigger call to action for World Health Day 2025, which will focus on maternal and newborn health, suggesting a global intensification of efforts to ensure all women have access to high-quality, evidence-based care, especially in the poorest and most crisis-affected areas.
The study also updates previous data from 2014 and is expected to inform new global estimates on maternal deaths from 2000 to 2023, set to be published in April 2025.
