[Cause of death in pregnant women--with special reference to suicide].

Trauma is the leading cause of maternal death. Our cases included 8 x natural death, 4 x suicide, 2 x homicide, 2 x accident, 1 x heroin intoxication, 1 x medical malpractice. The calculated mortality ratio during pregnancy is only 1/20 of the expected number. Pregnancy combined with single status, financial difficulties and interpersonal conflict are characteristic risk factors for suicide during pregnancy. In teenage pregnancy the risk for suicide seems to be higher than in pregnant women as a whole. Most suicides occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. Suicide during pregnancy is usually committed by tablet intoxication after interpersonal conflict. Drug abuse seems to influence suicidal behaviour.