The Obstetrical Focus of the Kentucky Maternal Morbidity & Mortality Task Force
The Kentucky Maternal Morbidity and Mortality (KyMMM) Task Force is committed to improving obstetrical care across the Commonwealth by identifying, addressing, and preventing the leading causes of maternal complications and deaths. Obstetrical factors—ranging from hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders to cardiac conditions and infections—are among the most common and preventable contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality.
Below is an overview of the key obstetrical risks and statewide initiatives designed to support safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for all future mothers in Kentucky. Through clinical training, data-driven protocols, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, KyMMM is working to ensure that every pregnancy is met with the highest standard of care.
Ky Maternal Morbidity & Mortality
What are Obstetrical Factors in Maternal Health?
While many maternal deaths are preventable, certain obstetrical complications significantly increase the risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Understanding these conditions is essential for improving outcomes through early detection, timely intervention, and quality care. Some of these complications include:
OB Hemmorrhage
Uncontrolled bleeding—especially postpartum hemorrhage—is one of the leading causes of maternal death. Without rapid treatment, it can lead to shock, organ failure, or death within hours.
Hypertensive Disorders
Conditions like pre-eclampsia and eclampsia can cause seizures, stroke, and multi-organ failure. These are among the most preventable causes of maternal death with proper monitoring and treatment.
Sepsis
Infections during or after childbirth, particularly when hygiene protocols are not followed or early signs are missed, can escalate quickly into life-threatening sepsis.
Cardiac Conditions
Heart disease is a leading cause of maternal death. Conditions like cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects can worsen during pregnancy. Early risk assessment and coordinated care between obstetric and cardiology teams are essential for prevention and management.
These are just a few of the obstetrical complications that can be detrimental to maternal health.
Our Strategy
Encouraging, supporting, and implementing evidence-based and data-driven programs, initiatives, and policies among obstetric facilities and providers to reduce obstetric-related causes of maternal morbidity and mortality.
What We’re Doing to Solve Maternal Morbidity & Mortality
Obstetrics Committees
Within the KyMMM’s Obstetrics Arm, there is a committee designated to target the obstetric factors contributing to morbidity and mortality of mothers during and after pregnancy: