Maternal mortality: Evidence brief

Overview

Maternal mortality is unacceptably high. Estimates for 2017 show that some 810 women die every day from pregnancy- or childbirth-related complications around the world.

Most maternal deaths are avoidable, as the health-care solutions to prevent or manage complications are well known. All women need access to high quality care provided by competent skilled health professionals during pregnancy (antenatal care), during childbirth (intrapartum care), and care and support in the weeks after childbirth (postnatal and postpartum care). It is particularly important that all births are attended by skilled health professionals, as timely management and treatment can make the difference between life and death.