Adverse Maternal outcomes: A concept analysis

Abstract

Obstructed labor is a common cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and deaths worldwide.
It is responsible for up to 8% of maternal deaths in the world. Other causes of maternal deaths
such as postpartum hemorrhage and puerperal sepsis are closely linked to the abnormal course of
labor. Postpartum hemorrhage is a cause for 10-60% of maternal deaths globally (Salama et al,
2010).According to Zimbabwe Demographic Survey, (2010-2011) maternal mortality ratio was
960 and now currently 614 according to Multi Indicator Cluster Survey, (2014). The purpose of
this article is to analyse the concept of adverse maternal outcomes and explore implications for
practice using Walker and Avant’s eight step approach analysis. The major defining attributeshat were identified were undesirable, unfavourable, harmful, severe, life threatening outcomes
such as antepartum haemorrhage, postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia and obstructed labour and
these require accurate diagnosis as well as urgent intervention. Some of the identified
antecedents were extreme maternal age, unbooked for antenatal services, pregnancy induced
hypertension, socioeconomic factors, cephalo-pelvic disproportion and malpresentation.
Common cited consequences were renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation,
hypovolemic shock and maternal death The study findings are of significance in future research
studies and the need to strengthen interventions that reduce the occurrence of maternal adverse
outcomes