Publication:

The prevalence and risk factors for severe maternal morbidity at a tertiary care centre in western India

Background Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is an important indicator of maternal health, especially as maternal mortality declines. For every maternal death, 20-30 women experience significant pregnancy-related complications. SMM includes serious, potentially life-threatening conditions during pregnancy, labor, or the postpartum period. Although maternal near miss (MNM) has been widely studied, data on SMM remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SMM and identify associated risk factors among women delivering at a tertiary care hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the labor room of S.S.G. Hospital, Vadodara. Women aged 18 years or older undergoing delivery and fulfilling at least one CDC-defined SMM criterion were included. Socio-demographic characteristics, antenatal care details, obstetric history, pregnancy complications, mode of delivery, and maternal outcomes were recorded and analyzed descriptively.

Results The prevalence of SMM was 72.38% (185 women). Most were aged 20-29 years (59.46%), and 87.03% were referred cases. Inadequate antenatal care (<4 visits) was observed in 36.76%. Hypertensive disorders (31.85%) and severe anemia (10.95%) were common complications. Caesarean section was performed in 40% of cases. Blood transfusion was required in 45.41%, and 5.41% had hospital stays exceeding 14 days.

Conclusions SMM was markedly higher than MNM, underscoring its value as a tool for improving maternal healthcare. Hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, anemia, inadequate antenatal care, and previous caesarean section were key contributors.