Trends in maternal deaths in Ilesa, Nigeria, 1977-1988

Cases of maternal deaths at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Nigeria, from January 1977 to June 1988 were reviewed. The maternal mortality rate of 2.85 per 1000 births recorded is an improvement over earlier figures due at least in part to improved obstetric care services. Illegally induced abortion was the most significant cause of maternal deaths (32.7%). Other causes were sepsis (17.3%), obstetric haemorrhage (15.4%), ruptured uterus (9.6%) and anaemia (7.7%). The problems of illegal abortion, poor antenatal and delivery supervision and late referral of cases were implicated as aetiologic factors.