Maternal mortality in Greece, 1996-2006.

OBJECTIVE

To present retrospective data for maternal deaths in Greece from 1996 to 2006.

METHODS

Demographic information and information on the causes of death was provided by the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Maternal deaths were assessed by cause of death, maternal age, and place of residence. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was estimated and expressed as the number of deaths per 100,000 live births.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 2006, 29 deaths were attributed to pregnancy and childbirth, yielding a total MMR of 2.63. The leading cause of direct deaths was hemorrhage and that of indirect deaths was cardiac disease. There was a borderline significant decline in the MMR during the study period. The MMR was significantly higher at the extremes of the reproductive age range.

CONCLUSION

Maternal mortality in Greece is low; however, no formal data have been published since 1996. Knowledge of the causes of maternal death can lead to the prevention of maternal deaths and safer motherhood.