Complications of childbirth is a leading death cause for women of reproductive ages in the developing countries today. The unique Swedish population statistics from the 19th century permit comparable historical studies. In seven Swedish parishes 170 maternal deaths were observed - 595 per 100,000 live births. Eclampsia, obstructed labor and hemorrhage were responsible for 92 deaths, and puerperal sepsis for only 15 deaths. Indirect obstetrical deaths, like pneumonia, tuberculosis, dysentery and heart diseases, accounted for 30.8% (41/133) of the specified death causes. With a time limit of 1 year instead of 42 days following delivery, maternal mortality was increased by 17%. Out of 14 married women 1 died from childbirth. Maternal deaths accounted for 40-50% of all deaths in the central ages of reproduction, leaving the motherless children with a highly increased death risk. Of the live born, 3% survived 5 years after the mothers' death. Of children aged 1-5 only 13% survived 5 years after the mothers death.