MBRRACE-UK: Maternal death rate has decreased but mental health issues remain a leading cause

The latest data on maternal mortality in the UK (2021-2023) from MBRRACE-UK highlights key trends and areas of concern, particularly regarding mental health and disparities in outcome for different socioeconomic and ethnic groups.

Key findings

The maternal death rate showed a slight decrease compared to 2020-22 but remains higher than the 2018-20 period even when excluding COVID-19 deaths.

Mental health

Mental health-related issues continue to be the leading cause of deaths occurring between six weeks and one year after pregnancy (late maternal deaths).

Suicide and other psychiatric causes (such as drugs/alcohol) accounted for over a third (34%) of deaths in this reporting period.

Disparities in maternal mortality

• Though the rate has decreased since the previous report, women from Black ethnic backgrounds were two times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly thereafter than white women.

• Asian women and women from mixed ethnic backgrounds had a marginally higher risk than white women.

• Women living in the most deprived areas faced nearly double the maternal mortality rate of those in the least deprived areas.
  

These findings need to lead to action

The data highlighting these deaths emphasises the critical need for improved mental health support for new and expectant mothers, and to address socioeconomic and ethnic disparities to reduce maternal deaths further. Strengthening access to high-quality, compassionate care before, during and after pregnancy must remain a top priority for the government and leaders within healthcare.

Karen Middleton, Head of Campaigns and Policy at the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, said:

“Today’s figures remind us of the ongoing need to ensure mental health during pregnancy and after birth is given urgent attention as a matter of patient safety.

“This year’s data brings some positive signs, with a narrowing of maternal mortality rate disparities between different ethnic groups and a slight overall decline in maternal deaths. However, it is deeply concerning that mental health issues are, yet again, the leading cause of late maternal death and that significant inequities persist. Improving mental health support and addressing inequalities in maternity care will save women’s lives and must be a priority.

“As always, we must remember that behind every statistic are real women, and families who have faced a huge loss. Our thoughts are with them.”