Maternal morbidity and mortality in two different populations of Senegal: a prospective study (MOMA survey)

Midwives in health facilities appear to detect more obstetric complications than traditional birth attendants. Immediate detection leads to immediate care and to low fatality rates. This could explain differences in maternal outcome between two urban centres with contrasting health care availability. These results suggest that one of the strongest weapons in the fight against maternal mortality is the employment of the most qualified personnel possible for monitoring labour.