Most maternal and newborn deaths occur worldwide around the time of birth, typically within the first 24 hours after childbirth, and most of these deaths are preventable, according to a new guideline released on Friday by the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO said of the more than 130 million births occurring each year, an estimated 303,000 result in the mother's death, 2.6 million in stillbirth, and another 2.7 million in a newborn death within the first 28 days of birth. The majority of these deaths occur in low-resource settings, often lacking skilled birth attendants.

The guideline targets the major causes of maternal and newborn complications and deaths, including post-partum haemorrhage, infection, obstructed labor, preeclampsia and birth asphyxia.

"Far too many women and children are still dying in childbirth from preventable causes often linked to poor quality of care," said Marie-Paule Kieny, WHO Assistant Director-General, Health Systems and Innovation. "The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist will help health care workers follow the essential care standards for every birth."

The checklist synthesized existing evidence-based WHO guidelines and recommendations into a single and practical bedside tool targeted at improving adherence to best practices, including adequate communication around the time of delivery.