Released on: 13 December 2019
This report identifies the fragmentation of services as the cause of many maternal deaths. We wholeheartedly agree with the key message that 'Joined up care across services and systems is essential', particularly in the postnatal period.
Maternal suicide remains the leading cause of death postnatally, which confirms the need for relationship-based care and careful monitoring of mothers' mental wellbeing. Our Hidden Half campaign calls for better six week postnatal check-ups so that all new mothers with a mental health problem can access treatment.
As in previous years, the risk of maternal death is found to be much greater for black and Asian women and women of mixed ethnicity. This is completely unacceptable and must be urgently addressed.
