Postnatal mortality and social complexity
Maternal mortality in the UK is unacceptably high. The UK Government’s ambition to halve the 2010 rate of deaths during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth by 20251 was missed by some distance. Late maternal deaths — those occurring between 6 weeks and 1 year postnatally — are rising.2 There are more late maternal deaths (16.32/100 000) than during pregnancy and the first 6 postnatal weeks (12.82/100 000), with suicide being the leading cause.2 Postnatal mortality is a marker of a growing burden of maternal morbidity; women are entering pregnancy in poorer health3 and experiencing more complications during pregnancy or postnatally. Poor maternal health and wellbeing is further exacerbated by the societal context of rising living costs, social isolation, and loss of support networks. Social determinants negatively influence maternity outcomes, and reports from Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquires across the UK (MBRRACE-UK) highlight the devastating role of factors such as poverty, housing instability, racism, migration status, and domestic abuse on maternal mortality.2 In MBRRACE-UK’s 2025 report, 583 (91%) of the 643 women who died during pregnancy or ≤1 year after birth experienced multiple challenges; 194 (30%) lived in deprived areas, 179 (28%) were known to social services, 144 (22%) experienced domestic abuse, and 136 (21%) were known to use substances.2 Solutions must be found that effectively identify and address women’s social needs postnatally if maternal mortality and morbidity are to be reduced.
Long-standing challenges for postnatal care
Postnatal care has generally been overlooked in research, policy, and practice, even described as a ‘Cinderella service’ in national guidance.4 Past editorials highlighting the limited focus on postnatal care remain relevant today,5 and, perhaps as a consequence of such oversight, late maternal mortality has risen. The National Institute for Health …
