Haemorrhage-related maternal mortality in Bangladesh: levels, trends, time of death, and care-seeking practices based on nationally representative population-based surveys

Background Haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal deaths globally, most of which are preventable and predominantly happen in low and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh. We examine the current levels, trends, time of death, and care-seeking practices for haemorrhage-related maternal deaths in Bangladesh.

Methods We conducted a secondary analysis with data from the nationally representative 2001, 2010, and 2016 Bangladesh Maternal Mortality Surveys (BMMS). The cause of death information was collected through verbal autopsy (VA) interviews using a country-adapted version of the standard World Health Organization VA questionnaire. Trained physicians reviewed the VA questionnaire and assigned the cause of death using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes.

Results Haemorrhage accounted for 31% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 24-38) of all maternal deaths in 2016 BMMS, which was 31% (95% CI = 25-41) in 2010 BMMS and 29% (95% CI = 23-36) in 2001 BMMS. The haemorrhage-specific mortality rate remained unchanged between 2010 BMMS (60 per 100 000 live births, uncertainty range (UR) = 37-82) and 2016 BMMS (53 per 100 000 live births, UR = 36-71). Around 70% of haemorrhage-related maternal deaths took place within 24 hours of delivery. Of those who died, 24% did not seek health care outside the home and 15% sought care from more than three places. Approximately two-thirds of the mothers who died due to haemorrhage gave birth at home.

Conclusions Postpartum haemorrhage remains the primary cause of maternal mortality in Bangladesh. To reduce these preventable deaths, the Government of Bangladesh and stakeholders should take steps to ensure community awareness about care-seeking during delivery.