The most frequent cause of maternal death during childbirth is–

Appeared in: RML PRE 2025

Explanation

Hemorrhage is the single most common cause of maternal death globally, accounting for approximately 25% of all cases.
The majority of these deaths are due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which is excessive bleeding after childbirth.
Other causes of obstetric hemorrhage include antepartum bleeding (e.g., from placenta previa or abruptio placentae) and bleeding from uterine rupture or complications of abortion.
Death from hemorrhage can occur very rapidly, making immediate recognition and management essential for survival.

Option A: Sepsis (puerperal infections) is a major cause of maternal death, accounting for about 15% of the total, but it is not the most frequent cause.
Option B: Toxemia, or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (like pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), is another leading cause, responsible for about 13% of maternal deaths, but it is less common than hemorrhage.
Option C: Asphyxia (lack of oxygen) is a primary cause of neonatal (newborn) death and morbidity, not maternal death. It refers to the baby's failure to establish breathing at birth.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The primary causes of maternal mortality during childbirth as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role in the immediate postpartum period is to monitor for and prevent PPH. This includes assessing uterine tone, lochia amount, and vital signs.
Promptly initiating fundal massage for a boggy uterus is a critical, life-saving nursing intervention.
Understanding the hierarchy of risks allows nurses to prioritize assessments and be prepared with necessary equipment and medications (e.g., uterotonics, IV supplies).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'most frequent' cause of maternal death.
This is a factual recall question based on epidemiological data in obstetrics.
Review the options provided: Sepsis, Toxemia, Asphyxia, and Hemorrhage.
Mentally recall the major causes of maternal mortality. You should remember the '4 T's' of postpartum hemorrhage (Tone, Trauma, Tissue, Thrombin) as a clue that bleeding is a major issue.
Differentiate between maternal and fetal/neonatal complications. Recognize that 'Asphyxia' is primarily a neonatal problem.
Compare the remaining options (Sepsis, Toxemia, Hemorrhage). Recall from your studies that hemorrhage is the number one killer of mothers worldwide during childbirth.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q0_nNIhbSKL17RtKLYwEns

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 56-58

Practise the full RML PRE 2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.