Seeking a Universal Definition for Severe Maternal Morbidity

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Pregnancy complications, termed severe maternal morbidity (SMM), present significant risks to maternal and infant health.
• The United States experiences higher rates of SMM and maternal mortality compared to other high-income nations.
• Accurate identification of SMM is crucial for improving maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing definitions of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in medical literature.
• To propose an integrative and potentially universal definition for SMM.
• To address the lack of a standardized definition hindering accurate incidence measurement.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current severe maternal morbidity definitions.
• Analysis of inconsistencies in SMM terminology.
• Development of a proposed integrative definition for SMM.

Main Results:

• Current literature lacks a consistent definition for severe maternal morbidity (SMM).
• This inconsistency impedes accurate measurement of SMM incidence.
• A standardized definition is essential for effective SMM identification and management.

Conclusions:

• A universally accepted definition for severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is needed.
• Standardizing the definition of SMM will facilitate better data collection and analysis.
• An integrative definition can enhance efforts to reduce SMM and improve maternal health outcomes.