Objective:

This study aims to document maternal deaths at the Women’s Hospital in La Paz, Bolivia, during the 2018-2022 period, to identify the main causes and contributing factors, and support preventive measures.

Methodology:

A statistical analysis was conducted based on the medical records and epidemiological forms of 30 maternal deaths during this period. This longitudinal, descriptive, and retrospective study analyzed variables such as age, number of children, attendance at prenatal checkups, and specific causes of death. Additionally, barriers to medical care that may have influenced these outcomes were examined.

Results:

Over five years, out of 14,234 hospital births, 30 maternal deaths were recorded, corresponding to a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 births. Of these, 66.7% were caused directly by pregnancy- related complications. The leading causes were hemorrhages (53%), hypertensive disorders (20%), and cardiogenic and septic shock (7% each). Alarmingly, 37% of the women did not attend prenatal checkups, and many faced difficulties accessing timely medical care. Approximately 73% of these deaths could have been avoided with more effective measures.

Conclusions:

Behind each statistic is a life that could have had a different outcome. These deaths highlight shortcomings in the healthcare system, including limited access to regular prenatal care and insufficient hospital resources. It is crucial to ensure timely and quality healthcare, strengthen support networks, and improve medical facilities to ensure no woman loses her life to preventable causes.