Table 2 Maternal death case definitions

Death of a woman of reproductive age (WRA):

Death of woman in reproductive years, usually 15–49 years (although some countries may decide to use other reference period years given the importance of teenage pregnancy and early marriage). All death of WRA should be investigated to determine whether the woman was pregnant or within 42 days of the end of a pregnancy.

Suspected case

The death of any woman while pregnant or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy including deaths where there is a suggestion of a pregnancy even though it may not have been confirmed. In places where the concept of ‘42 days’ may not be well understood the time period can be extended to 2–3 months to ensure that all maternal deaths are captured

Probable case

All deaths of women while pregnant or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy exception of those that are easily determined to be caused by incidental or accidental causes (e.g. motor vehicle accidents)

Confirmed case

Probable case with ascertainment of cause of death (either using physician ascertainment of medical records or probabilistic modelling of verbal autopsy) and is defined by a death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy ending, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes*

Late maternal death

Death of a woman from direct or indirect obstetric causes more than 42 days but less than one year after termination of pregnancy