What is defined as the death of a mother during the perinatal period?

Maternal mortality refers specifically to the death of a mother during the perinatal period, which encompasses the time just before and shortly after childbirth. It typically includes deaths occurring during pregnancy, delivery, and within the first 42 days following the end of the pregnancy, due to any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management. This term is used to measure the health and safety of mothers during and after childbirth and is an important indicator of healthcare quality and access.

The other terms mentioned refer to different aspects of mortality: child mortality pertains to the death of children under five years of age, infant mortality focuses on deaths within the first year of life, and neonatal mortality specifically addresses deaths within the first 28 days after birth. Therefore, only maternal mortality aligns with the definition presented in the question.