A 10-year review of maternal mortality in Chon Buri Hospital, Thailand.

1. The overall maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Chon Buri Hospital in the 10-yr period from 1982-1991 was 51.1/100,000 livebirths. 2. The top causes of death were abortion related complications, pregnancy induced hypertension, puerperal infection and postpartum hemorrhage. 3. What we have done is to improve the quantity and quality of obstetric and medical care, solve the problem of vital statistics reports in our hospital, contact doctor in nearby hospitals in referral and interhospital OB-GYN conferences to meet and discuss both knowledge and management problems. 4. What we still faced in the last 4-yr were deaths from abortion related complications, puerperal sepsis and postpartum hemorrhage. Most of the deaths were preventable. 5. So what we have to target to lessen the MMR is to improve the obstetric and medical care, improve the quality of medical personnel in our area in KAP aspect (knowledge, attitude, practice) especially in the field of family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancies, proper prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage, and prevention and treatment of puerperal and postabortal infection.