Cardiac complications were the most prevalent indirect cause of maternal deaths in childbirth, with a rate of 2.06 out of 100,000 maternities.
Times, Sunday Times
The figures include direct and indirect causes of death, and the majority are still from indirect causes (such as heart disease).
Times, Sunday Times
Indirect causes are pre-existing conditions that may be aggravated by the physiologic demands of pregnancy.
Times, Sunday Times