Study: Infection-related maternal mortality is largely preventable

A descriptive study of Maternal Mortality Review Committee data found infection persists as a leading cause of maternal mortality, with most infection-related maternal deaths preventable. The researchers found only 51.5% of moms who died from infection-related causes within one year of the end of pregnancy had confirmed receipt of antibiotics, and only 11.8% received antibiotics within the recommended one hour. The researchers recommended all hospitals have a sepsis protocol for pregnant and postpartum women. Hospitals also should make available educational materials on early warning signs of sepsis for moms and pregnant women. Researchers presented results at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists annual meeting in Washington, D.C. (MedPage Today article, 5/3/26)