Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM
January 2025
Background: Obstetric hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in Maryland and nationally. Currently, through a quality collaborative, the state is implementing the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) patient safety bundle on obstetric hemorrhage.
Objective: To describe SMM events contributed by obstetric hemorrhage and their preventability in Maryland.
Importance: In the US, more than 50 000 women experience severe maternal morbidity (SMM) each year, and the SMM rate more than doubled during the past 25 years. In response, professional organizations called for birthing facilities to routinely identify and review SMM events and identify prevention opportunities.
Objective: To examine SMM levels, primary causes, and factors associated with the preventability of SMM using Maryland's SMM surveillance and review program.