The most common cause of maternal mortality is:

IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

Obstetric haemorrhage is the single most common direct cause of maternal death worldwide, accounting for about a quarter of all fatalities.
The majority of these deaths are from postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), which can lead to death very rapidly without prompt, life-saving care.
Data from India also confirms haemorrhage as the leading cause, responsible for as high as 38% of maternal deaths in some surveys.
Prompt recognition and management, including uterine massage, administration of uterotonics, and fluid resuscitation, are critical to prevent mortality.

Option A: Anaemia is a major indirect cause of maternal death, not the most common direct cause. It significantly increases the risk of death from direct causes like haemorrhage but is not the primary event itself.
Option C: Sepsis (puerperal infections) is a leading direct cause of maternal death but is less frequent than haemorrhage, accounting for approximately 15% of deaths globally.
Option D: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, are a significant cause of maternal death but rank below haemorrhage, causing about 13% of deaths worldwide.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Major Causes of Maternal Mortality as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in preventing death from PPH through active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL), which includes administering uterotonic drugs, controlled cord traction, and uterine massage.
Vigilant postpartum monitoring is a key nursing responsibility. This includes frequent assessment of uterine tone (fundal check), the amount of vaginal bleeding (lochia), and vital signs to detect haemorrhage early.
What if? If a patient has known risk factors for PPH (e.g., multiple gestation, prolonged labor, history of PPH), the nurse must ensure enhanced preparedness. This includes securing IV access with a large-bore cannula, ensuring blood products are cross-matched and available, and having uterotonic medications ready at the bedside before delivery.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'most common cause' of maternal mortality.
Next, recall the major causes of maternal death. It's helpful to categorize them into direct causes (complications of pregnancy and childbirth) and indirect causes (pre-existing conditions worsened by pregnancy).
The options provided are Haemorrhage, Sepsis, and Hypertension (direct causes), and Anaemia (an indirect cause).
Compare the prevalence of the direct causes. Based on global and national data, haemorrhage is the leading direct cause.
Recognize that while anaemia is a huge problem, it primarily increases the risk of dying from other causes, especially haemorrhage, rather than being the most frequent primary cause of death itself.
Therefore, select Haemorrhage as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) pp. 59-61, 57-59