Pune, India, has reported a significant decline in maternal deaths, with numbers falling from 79 in 2023-24 to 45 in 2025-26, according to an audit by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The maternal mortality rate also decreased from 122 to 77 during this period. Despite this positive trend, the audit reveals that a majority of maternal deaths occur postnatally, with 34 of the 45 deaths in 2025-26 happening after childbirth. This indicates serious gaps in postnatal monitoring and care. Most deaths were reported in institutional settings, primarily affecting women aged 20-30, with medical complications such as pregnancy-induced hypertension and infections being the leading causes. Systemic issues, including delayed identification of high-risk pregnancies and shortages of blood and specialists, further complicate the situation. PMC officials emphasize the need for timely identification and faster referrals. To address these issues, PMC is implementing a multi-pronged strategy that includes early pregnancy registration, tracking high-risk cases, and enhancing training for healthcare workers. Health activist Sharad Shetty highlights the importance of ensuring quality care before and after childbirth to prevent these deaths.