Maternal Mortality | Doula Directory LA

Maternal mortality, also known as maternal death, is defined as the death of a pregnant mother due to complications related to pregnancy, underlying conditions worsened by the pregnancy or management of these conditions. According to the World Health Organization, maternal death can occur either while a woman is pregnant or within six weeks of resolution of the pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extends this period to one year from the resolution of the pregnancy. Maternal mortality is a significant public health concern. Efforts to reduce maternal mortality include improving access to quality prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care, as well as addressing underlying social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and gender equality.