MBRRACE 2021-2023: What the Latest Figures Tell Us About Maternal Mortality in the UK

Today, the MBRRACE (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries) team released their latest findings on maternal mortality in the UK for 2021-2023. We understand that these statistics can be worrying and confusing, so we’ve broken down the key points to help you understand what’s changed—and what still needs to improve—to keep mothers safe.

Overall Maternal Death Rates

Slight Decrease Since Last Year, But Still Higher Than Before the Pandemic
Between 2021-2023, the overall maternal death rate slightly decreased compared to 2020-2022. However, this change was not large enough to be considered statistically significant, meaning it may have happened by chance.
When we compare 2021-2023 to the pre-pandemic period of 2018-2020, the rates are still higher, although again not by a big enough margin to be sure it isn’t down to chance.

Impact of COVID-19
When we exclude deaths caused by COVID-19, the maternal death rate in 2021-2023 looks very similar to the 2020-2022 rate. However, it remains slightly higher than in 2018-2020—again, not significantly, but still worth noting.

In total, there were 281 women who died during pregnancy or within six weeks of the end of pregnancy in 2021-2023. Out of these, 27 deaths were classed as ‘coincidental’ (not directly related to pregnancy), leaving 254 maternal deaths from direct or indirect causes.

Leading Causes of Maternal Death

Thrombosis & Thromboembolism
Blood clots (thrombosis) were the number one cause of women dying in pregnancy or soon after giving birth in 2021-2023, just as they were in the previous year’s report.

Cardiac Disease
Heart-related conditions were the second leading cause of maternal death. This highlights the importance of keeping an eye on heart health before, during, and after pregnancy

COVID-19
COVID-19 infection was the third most common cause of maternal death in 2021-2023. Although COVID-19 death rates in pregnant women have dropped compared to 2020-2022, they have not fallen enough to be considered statistic98ally significant. Notably, there were no COVID-19 maternal deaths recorded in 2023.

Other important causes include sepsis (serious infections), suicide, and haemorrhage (severe bleeding).

Late Maternal Deaths on the Rise

Deaths occurring between six weeks and one year after pregnancy have increased in 2021-2023 compared to 2018-2020. Many of these later deaths are related to mental health (34%), which includes suicide and other psychiatric causes in roughly equal proportions.

This highlights the continuing need for strong mental health support during and after pregnancy.

Persistent Inequalities

Sadly, the figures show that not all women share the same level of risk. The data from 2021-2023 indicates:

Age Matters
Women aged 35 or older were about three times more likely to die than those aged 20-24. The risk was even higher for women over 40.

Ethnic Inequities Continue

Black Women: Although their maternal death rate has decreased compared to 2020-2022, it is still twice as high as for White women.

Asian Women: Their death rate is slightly higher than White women’s, but not significantly so.

Mixed Ethnic Background: Rates continued to increase and are now even higher than among Asian women. However, because the number of women from mixed backgrounds is smaller, the data can fluctuate more from year to year.

Impact of Deprivation
Women living in the most deprived areas of England had twice the maternal mortality rate of those in the least deprived areas. This gap in health outcomes continues to be a serious concern.

What These Findings Mean

We Must Keep Focusing on Thrombosis Prevention
Knowing that blood clots are the leading cause of maternal death highlights the need for continuing public health campaigns and clinical guidelines to prevent and treat thrombosis.

Heart Health is Crucial
Cardiac conditions remain a major risk factor. Women and healthcare professionals need to pay close attention to heart health before and during pregnancy.

Mental Health Support
The rise in late maternal deaths, especially those related to mental health, underlines how critical it is to offer comprehensive mental health care throughout pregnancy and well beyond the early postpartum period.

Addressing Inequalities
The higher risk for Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as for older mothers, and those living in deprived areas, needs consistent and targeted action. We must ensure that every pregnant woman and new mother gets the support and care they need, regardless of age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

A Call to Action

These figures serve as a reminder that every life lost is one too many. While slight improvements are reassuring, there is still work to be done. We must continue to advocate for:

Early identification and treatment of conditions like blood clots and heart disease.

Better mental health support during and after pregnancy.

Targeted public health strategies to reduce inequalities for those at higher risk.

If you or someone you know is worried about pregnancy-related health issues—whether physical or mental—please do reach out to a healthcare professional. Our charity is also here to offer support and guidance.

Remember: By raising awareness, supporting research, and pushing for policy changes, we can help ensure that every mother has the safest possible pregnancy and birth experience.