Maternal mortality ratio halved since 1970s

The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 5.6 deaths per 100,000 women giving birth in 2018-2020 is the lowest MMR since comparable definitions were introduced in 1973-1975, when the rate was 12.7 per 100,000, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s latest triennial report on maternal deaths. In 2018-2020 there were 50 maternal deaths, 31 directly and 19 indirectly related to pregnancy. Maternal death was more common in women who had given birth four or more times and in those aged 35 years and over. The most common causes of maternal death were cardiovascular disease, thromboembolism and sepsis. Read more at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mothers-babies/maternal-deaths-in-australia-2018-2020/summary.