Seeking a Universal Definition for Severe Maternal Morbidity

Women can experience significant and potentially life-threatening complications related to pregnancy. These conditions are commonly referred to as severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Severe maternal morbidity can have devastating effects on pregnant women and their children, and in some cases it can lead to maternal mortality. In the United States, SMM and maternal mortality occur at greater rates than in other high-income countries. Within the past few years, researchers and health care providers have placed an increased emphasis on identifying cases of SMM to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes. However, the term severe maternal morbidity is not consistently defined in the literature, and a standardized definition is necessary to accurately measure incidence. Therefore, the purpose of this commentary is to review current definitions for SMM and offer an integrative, potentially universal definition for the term.