In view of the absence of systematic data, a few studies that specifically examined causes of death during the perinatal period are worth mentioning, particularly in view of the dramatic and unexpected results they revealed. In high-income countries, Appleby (57), Kendell (58), Frautschi, Cerulli, and Maine (59), and Brockington (60) have examined mortality during the perinatal period. Overall, they found that the leading cause of death during this period was suicide, with rates significantly higher than in non-pregnant, non puerperal women. Risk factors identified by these authors include adolescent pregnancy (in many cases complicated by unintended pregnancy and.
