The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has reported an increase in the number of UK women dying during pregnancy after contracting infections.
A study undertaken by the Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE) found that whilst the numbers are still low overall, between 2006 and 2008, 29 women died as a direct result of an infection, a substantial increase on the figures from between 2003 and 2005 when 21 women died. Between 2000 and 2002 it was just 13 women.
As a result, mums-to-be and new mothers are being warned to be extra vigilant and take precautions against infection, such as washing their hands regularly and being aware of the symptoms of the more common infections like Group A Streptococcal disease.
Dr Imogen Stephens, a clinical director at CMACE told the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics: 'It's shocking that something like infections - and infection from a reasonably well-known organism - is a major cause of maternal mortality.'
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