RESUMO
To find out maternal mortality ratio [MMR] and to determine major causes of maternal death. A descriptive study. Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. From 01.01.2008 to 31.12.2008. All cases of maternal death during this study periods were included except accidental deaths. There were 58 maternal deaths during this period. Total No. of live births were 5975. MMR was 58/5975 x 100,000 = 970/100,000 live births. The most common cause of maternal death was hemorrhage [34.5%] followed by hypertensive disorders/eclampsia [31%]. Most of the patients [75.86%] were referred from primary and secondary care level. Maternal mortality is still very high in underdeveloped countries including Pakistan. We must enhance emergency obstetric care [EOC] to achieve the goal of reduction in MMR