Maternal health

Question 1

What are the main causes of maternal deaths globally?

Answer 1

Haemorrhage
Obstructed labour (haemorrhage or sepsis)
Unsafe abortion (haemorrhage and sepsis)
Sepsis
Eclampsia

Question 2

What are the signal functions of comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEMONC)?

Answer 2

1. Oxytocics
2. Abx
3. Anticonvulsants
4. Manual vacuum aspiration
5. Manual removal of placenta
6. Assisted vaginal delivery
7. Caesarean section
8. Blood transfusion
   * Last two are for CEMONC, all others are in basic emergency obstetric care too (BEMONC)

Question 3

What are the three delays to care in obstetrics?

Answer 3

1. Decision/health seeking behaviour
2. Reaching an appropriate health facility e.g. transport limitations
3. Quality of care e.g. is the care adequate once they reach it?

Question 4

What are the consequences of obstetric fistulas?

Answer 4

1. Physical
Incontinence
Ammonia dermatitis
Bladder stones
2. Psychological
Depression
3. Social
Isolation