[The analysis of the causes and changes in maternal mortality in 42 years]

The causes and change of maternal death in this hospital from 1949 to 1990 was analyzed. The average maternal mortality of 42 years was 150.22/10(5) livebirths. The 42 years was divided into four periods which were 1949-1960, 1960-1970, 1971-1980 and 1981-1990. The results showed that the maternal mortality rate lowered from 365.31/10(5) livebirths in first period to 43.67/10(5) livebirths in the 4th period. The difference was markedly significant P < 0.01. The direct obstetric causes of maternal deaths in these periods were 30.00%, 23.81%, 25.00% and 55.56% respectively and increased in the 4th period. Obstetric hemorrhage (55.71%) pregnancy induced hypertension (31.43%) and preperal infection (11.43%) were the three main causes of maternal deaths in direct obstetric causes. Cardiac diseases (40.00%) was the leading cause in indirect causes.