Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Assessing and using maternal mortality data

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The United States faces a high maternal mortality rate, necessitating data-driven interventions.
• Maternal mortality data is crucial for developing effective public health programs.
• Understanding data sources is key to accurate analysis and targeted solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the types of maternal mortality data available in the US.
• To provide an overview of common data sources for maternal mortality.
• To offer best practices for interpreting and utilizing maternal mortality data.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and data sources on maternal mortality in the US.
• Analysis of different data types used for tracking maternal deaths.
• Synthesis of expert recommendations for data application.

Main Results:

• Identification of three primary types of maternal mortality data.
• Description of key US data sources, including vital statistics and surveillance systems.
• Guidelines for data comparison, interpretation, and use in program development.

Conclusions:

• Effective use of maternal mortality data is essential for reducing maternal deaths.
• Standardized approaches to data collection and analysis are recommended.
• SMFM advocates for data-informed strategies to improve maternal health outcomes.