RESUMO
A retrospective study of maternal deaths occuring during the 5 years period. (from Jan. to Dec. 1988) in Central Woman Hospital. The maternal mortality rates excluding abortion were 1.1 for 1984, 1.17 for 1985, 1.6 for 1986, 1.28 for 1987 and 1.24 for 1988. MMR includingabortions were 1.71 for 1984, 2.3 for 1985, 2.36 for 1986, 2.9 for 1987 and 2.83 for 1988. The maximum number of deaths occurred in the age group 20 to 34 years and in para 0, group. As regards abortion deaths, induced abortion by let-ther' played a major role and sepsis was the major cause of death as confirmed by post moterm report. Sepsis, haemorrhage, uterine rupture, eclampsia and heart failure were leading causes of death occuring during ante-partum, intra partum and post-partum periods. Regarding the mode of delivery, the maximum number of deaths occurred in those delivered by caesarean section. Direct obstetric deaths were more than inderict obstetric deaths.