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    Obesity 'behind over half of maternal deaths'

    Posted on 04/12/2007

    Women who live in poorer circumstances are more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth, according to a new report.

    The report, published today by the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH), shows that maternal deaths are up to seven times more likely to occur in women from poorer demographic groups, who were generally found to be in poorer overall health.

    Maternal death rates in the UK remain amongst the lowest in the world. Overall, 295 women died of pregnancy-related conditions in the three-year period the report studied.

    The Saving Mothers' Lives report also highlights obesity as a major and growing risk factor for maternal death. Over half of the maternal deaths that occurred in the three-year period studied involved women who were overweight or obese.

    The report includes 10 key recommendations for policy makers, including delivering better preconception care, making access to care easier, and training staff to cope with critical events when they do occur.

    Gwyneth Lewis, CEMACH Director of the Maternal Deaths Enquiry, said: 'The findings of this report, widely considered as one of the cornerstones of our maternity services, shows the impact poor maternal health can have on pregnancy and birth.

    She added: 'The fact that more than half of the women who died were obese or overweight, and that preventable causes of cardiac disease were the leading cause of death shows that strong public health messages are needed both before and during pregnancy.'



    Category: Healthy Lifestyle


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