What is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality?

Preeclampsia and eclampsia represent significant concerns in maternal health because they lead to serious complications that can threaten both the mother and the fetus. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and often protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy, which, if not managed, can progress to eclampsia, involving seizures and potentially life-threatening conditions for the mother.

The severity of these conditions can lead to various adverse outcomes, such as organ failure, placental abruption, and fetal death. Their prevalence and the potential for rapid deterioration make them critical areas of focus in maternal care. Addressing preeclampsia and eclampsia through timely intervention is essential to improving maternal outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality rates in pregnancy.

While other conditions like gestational diabetes, infectious diseases, and late pregnancy complications are also significant, they generally have more established management strategies or are less likely to result in immediate life-threatening situations compared to the acute complications associated with preeclampsia and eclampsia.