ABSTRACT
Maternal death is common in many parts of the world but has become rare in developed countries. In the UK its infrequency means that when a maternal death does occur it can be a shattering experience for everyone involved. In the UK, maternal death occurs in around 1 in 10,000 pregnancies. The causes of maternal mortality are similar all over the world, although overall rates and the relative contribution of each cause vary from country to country. Any death during pregnancy or within a year after delivery is reported to the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths, which was initially run by the Ministry of Health and latterly by Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries. Death and serious illness from pregnancy-related sepsis are very rare which means that many healthcare workers will never have seen a case, making it difficult for them to recognise the earliest signs and symptoms.
