Maternal mortality: clinical implications of international perspectives

Although the root causes of maternal mortality (MM) in nonindustrialized nations differ from those in the United States, some approaches to improving MM may be universal. Access to care is an issue in the United States aswell as internationally. There are many steps providers can take to improve access, from reducing language an cultural barriers, to taking adequate histories, to addressing such chronic conditions as obesity, diabetes, an hypertension before conception. When providers obtain adequate information before or during pregnancy, they can assess patient risk, plan educational and medical interventions, and introduce preventive measures that can reduce MM-in both the United States and the developing world.