Question

How is the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) defined ?

• A. Number of maternal deaths per 1,000 live births
• B. Number of maternal deaths per 10,000 live births
• C. Number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births
• D. Number of infant deaths per 1,00,000 live births

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births

Understanding Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)

• The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is a critical public health indicator that quantifies the number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births.
• This metric is vital for assessing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services related to pregnancy and childbirth within a specific region or country.
• It helps evaluate the effectiveness of policies and interventions aimed at improving maternal health outcomes.

Definition of Maternal Death

• A maternal death, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, regardless of the duration and site of the pregnancy.
• This includes deaths from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but specifically excludes accidental or incidental causes.
• Deaths occurring after 42 days but within one year of termination of pregnancy due to direct or indirect obstetric causes are termed late maternal deaths.

Significance and Context for Competitive Exams

• MMR is a key target under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. Specifically, Target 3.1 aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
• For India, the Registrar General of India (RGI), through its Sample Registration System (SRS), periodically releases MMR estimates, showing a consistent decline, which is a significant achievement in public health.
• The Kerala Model of Development is often highlighted for its exceptional social development indicators, including one of the lowest MMRs in India. This is attributed to strong public health infrastructure, high female literacy rates, and effective primary healthcare services.
• Common causes of maternal deaths globally include severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage), infections (puerperal sepsis), high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), complications from unsafe abortions, and obstructed labor.
• Understanding MMR is crucial for examining the health outcomes associated with a nation's socio-economic development and for comparing healthcare system efficiencies across different regions.