[Analysis of maternal deaths in Mexico occurred during 2009].

BACKGROUND

Mexico reported 955 maternal deaths in 2011, with a ratio of 49 deaths per 100,000 live births. For 2015, the WHO commitment is to reduce the ratio to 22, equivalent to 415 maternal deaths.

METHODS

it is a descriptive and retrospective study. In 1257 maternal deaths in 2009, we reviewed a sample of 173 records. Simple frequencies and percentages were calculated.

RESULTS

direct causes of maternal death were preeclampsia-eclampsia, infection and obstetrical hemorrhage secondary to uterine atony, placental accreta and placenta previa. Fifteen patients died from abortion complications. Four patients died from extra-uterine pregnancy, because of delayed diagnosis and treatment. Indirect causes of maternal death were neoplasms, abdominal sepsis, vascular events, metabolic problems and heart disease; twenty-five patients died of atypical pneumonia and 11 more of influenza A H1N1.

CONCLUSIONS

it is feasible to reduce maternal mortality by means of an adequate prenatal care, in quantity and quality of consultations, and avoiding high risk pregnancies caused by a history of obstetric factors and associated severe diseases. Influenza A H1N1 interrupted the downward trend in maternal mortality.