What is defined as maternal death?

Maternal death is specifically defined as the death of a woman related to or aggravated by pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum complications. This definition encompasses a range of potential causes, including pre-existing health conditions that become more severe due to pregnancy, complications arising during labor and delivery, or issues that arise after giving birth.

This definition is important because it captures the broader spectrum of risks that pregnant women face, which may not be immediately attributable to specific events like delivery but are nonetheless linked to the physiological changes and stresses of pregnancy. By acknowledging that the causes of maternal death can be multifactorial and directly associated with the state of being pregnant, healthcare systems can better focus on preventive measures and improvements in maternal care to reduce these fatalities.

The other choices presented do not accurately reflect the comprehensive nature of maternal death as outlined by health organizations. For instance, a medical error during delivery does not encompass the full range of complications associated with pregnancy, while the death of a newborn pertains to neonatal mortality rather than maternal mortality. Additionally, deaths solely due to external factors, without a connection to the pregnancy process, fall outside the definition of maternal death as the term implies a relationship with pregnancy itself.