Table 1 Perceived causes of postpartum hemorrhage and maternal death

Perceived as medical cause of PPH

Perceived as supernatural cause of PPH

 ○ Bad blood accumulated during pregnancy comes out after delivery

 ○ Lifting heavy objects such as cot opens up a weak uterus causing bleeding

 ○ When placenta ruptures, there is bleeding

 ○ Accidental falls during pregnancy causes bleeding

○ Effect of evil spirit––fear because of hearing unnatural sounds causes bleeding

○ Cat crossing new mother’s path is a bad omen and causes bleeding

Perceived as medical cause of death

Perceived as supernatural cause of death

 ○ Poisoning and swelling of a woman’s body due to a dead fetus

 ○ Fits due to less blood in the body

 ○ Continuous bleeding after delivery causes weakness and death

 ○ High blood pressure, swelling of the body, and breathlessness

 ○ Bleeding due to ruptured uterus

 ○ Mental tension (due to marital discord) lead to shock, cold body, and death

○ Effect of evil spirit in the form “bad” air