According to national maternal death data, which is consistently among the leading direct causes of maternal death?

Answer: A. Obstetric haemorrhage

Causes of maternal death

National maternal mortality data identify obstetric haemorrhage as a leading cause of maternal death, alongside conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, thromboembolism, hypertensive disorders, sepsis, ruptured ectopic pregnancy and indirect causes.

Why this matters

• Identifying leading causes guides prevention and service planning (e.g. management of postpartum haemorrhage, blood availability, skilled birth attendance).
• Maternal death surveillance (identification, notification, institutional and field investigation, district and national maternal mortality review) drives action to reduce preventable deaths.

Why the others are wrong

Appendicitis, osteoporosis, migraine and the common cold are not leading causes of maternal death; obstetric haemorrhage is a major direct cause.