ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine the changes of maternal mortality ratio and the causes of death in Korea during 1995-2000. METHODS: Maternal mortality data were collected through two stages: collection of registration data and maternal mortality survey at medical institutions. The cause of death was judged by agreement of three obstetrician. RESULTS: Maternal mortality ratio decreased from 20 (per 100,000 live births) in 1995 to 18 in 1999 and 15 in 2000. The mortality ratio was higher for women 35 years and older. Postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and obstetric embolism are three main causes of maternal death which comprised about half of all maternal death. CONCLUSION: Maternal mortality ratio decreased during 1995-2000. All causes of maternal death decreased since 1995. However obstetric embolism appeared to be relatively more important cause of death in 1999-2000.