Groundbreaking Study

Researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington have carried out the first ever study into the reasons why pregnant women are admitted to intensive care in New Zealand.


These women suffer from what is termed Severe Acute Maternal Morbidity (SAMM). This occurs when a pregnant or recently delivered woman becomes ill to the extent that she is likely to die if not admitted to intensive care. The study found that the cause of SAMM in 35 percent of the women studied was preventable, highlighting the need for better obstetric services in New Zealand.

Posted 11:35pm Monday 9th August 2010 by Kathryn Guise.