[Main causes of maternal mortality in Mexicali, Baja California (Mexico)]

The objective of this study is to determine the main causes of maternal mortality in the period 2009 to 2013 in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.

Epidemiological, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study was conducted with a universe of 30 cases of maternal death. The information was collected from death certificates and records of cases obtained from the Institute of State Public Service Health of University Xochicalco.

The average age of patients were 26.6 ± 5.6 years. Educational level and marital status was with junior school 15 (50%) and free union 12 (40%) respectively, 21 (70%) had no prenatal care. The mean gestational age was 28.8 ± 3.72 weeks, there was no difference in the place of residence, urban and rural, 15(50%). The main cause of death was hemorrhage 9(30%). The highest mortality was during the postpartum period 23 (77%). During the study period, the mortality rate was 36.8 x 100,000 live births.

The increased frequency of maternal mortality was in young women, 70% had no prenatal care. Bleeding from ectopic pregnancy was the leading cause of death.