Maternal mortality in southern Africa, 1980-1982. Part II. Causes of maternal deaths.

Of 737 maternal deaths studied in southern Africa between January 1980 and December 1982, 660 were classified as direct obstetric deaths. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were the most frequent cause of death (30%). Obstetric haemorrhage and infection were associated with 20% and 19% of maternal deaths respectively. Advancing age and increased parity were strongly associated with death from obstetric haemorrhage.