[Maternal mortality caused by hemorrhage in developing countries. What policy is proposed?]

Maternal mortality in the third world is fifty to two hundred times higher than in developed countries. Haemorrhage following birth or abortion is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and a specific analysis of this can clarify the problems. The incidence of maternal death by haemorrhage is not clearly documented and fluctuates between 6 and 90 per cent. Patients predicted to be at high risk for haemorrhage in the third trimester should be automatically referred for a higher level of medical care. In fact, many cases of haemorrhage cannot be predicted and death depends on the rate of blood loss and on the pre-existing anaemia. Better nurses' and mid-wives' training, better ante natal care, and the treatment of anaemia should decrease maternal mortality.