DEATHS of women during or shortly after pregnancy and babies within 28 days of birth have increased for the first time in a decade, new research shows.

The Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London said its analysis of official data “provides cause for concern.”

It found that neonatal deaths (babies born at 20 weeks or later who die within 28 days) and maternal deaths (women who die during pregnancy or within six weeks due to pregnancy-related issues) had increased and are continuing to rise.