The number of women dying during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth in the UK has reached its highest level in almost two decades, a study published on Thursday also revealed significant geographical and ethnic disparities.
According to the MBRRACE-UK national epidemiological survey, there were 13.41 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies in 2020-22, the highest rate since 2003-05. The study was conducted by a research unit linked to the universities of Oxford and Leicester. Deaths were mainly due to clots.
Excluding Covid-19 deaths (the second most common cause during this period), the maternal mortality rate is 11.54 per 100,000 pregnancies, an increase of 31% compared to 2017-19. However, the UK has one of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the world, slightly higher than France (8 per 100,000 according to the UN) or Canada (9).
Compared to white women, black women are three times more likely to die before giving birth or six weeks after giving birth. Women living in the most deprived areas of the UK are twice as likely to die as women in affluent areas.
The report suggests some maternity units are “under pressure”. An NHS spokesman said investment had already been increased by hundreds of millions of pounds, although he also admitted that “further action is needed”.
The investigation follows a series of scandals in recent years involving Public Health maternity wards. Lack of proper care has led to dozens of preventable deaths among children and mothers.
Access to all functions is reserved for professional healthcare providers.
If you are a healthcare professional, please log in or register for free to gain full access to this content.
If you are a journalist or would like to let us know, please write to [email protected].
