Maternal Mortality — A Painful Reality We Must Keep Talking About

As an obstetrician, I’ve learned that maternal mortality is one of the hardest truths in our field.

Even with 5-star care, advanced facilities, and a highly skilled team, a mother’s life can still be lost in rare and tragic circumstances. This is not about one hospital or one doctor—it’s a global challenge.

Most maternal deaths are preventable. The leading causes include:

• Severe bleeding (PPH)

• Hypertensive disorders (eclampsia/preeclampsia)

• Infections (sepsis)

• Complications during delivery or surgery

• Anaemia and indirect causes (e.g., HIV, TB, malaria)

🌿 How we can reduce the risks:

•  Early and regular antenatal care to detect anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, etc.
• Timely referral and delivery in well-equipped facilities
•  Reliable access to emergency blood
•  products and a functional referral/transport system
•  Continuous training and drills for obstetric emergencies (PPH, eclampsia, sepsis)
•  Community awareness of danger signs and seeking care early

Let’s remember: maternal death doesn’t always mean there was neglect. Sometimes, despite doing everything right, complications move faster than medicine can respond. Still, we must keep improving, learning, and supporting one another—because every mother matters. 🤍

#DrRababCares

 #MaternalHealth #WomensHealth #Obstetrics #GlobalHealth #PatientSafety #Zambia