NZ maternity services re-think to target vulnerable mothers

New maternity services standards are being introduced in New Zealand, as a report  reveals that the leading cause of maternal death in the nation is suicide.

The report by the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee, published on 28 July, found there were 98 potentially avoidable deaths of unborn and newborn babies in 2009. The report marks the first time the committee has analysed the contributory factors to these categories of deaths. 

It shows that the perinatal death rate in 2009 was about 11 for every 1000 births, which is comparable to the rate in Australia and the UK. 

However, the maternal mortality rates in NZ are ‘significantly’ higher than the ratio reported in the UK, said the report, showing a maternal mortality ratio in the years 2006-2009 of 19.2/1000 maternities. The most frequent causes of maternal death in New Zealand during this period were suicide, followed by pre-existing medical conditions.

The report also reveals the groups most at risk of perinatal and neonatal deaths are teenagers, Maori and Pacific mothers, with deprivation playing a key role.

The findings have prompted a rethink of the way maternity services are targeted at young mothers, with the College of Midwives saying for smaller antenatal classes targeting at-risk mothers.