**Core Concept:** Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, regardless of the duration and site of the pregnancy. The main causes need to be understood for proper management and prevention strategies.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
The correct answer, **Option C: Hypertensive disorders**, is crucial in understanding maternal mortality. Hypertensive disorders, also known as preeclampsia and eclampsia, are a group of conditions characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria in pregnancy. They are responsible for a significant proportion of maternal mortality globally.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Option A: Obstetric hemorrhage** is important but less common than hypertensive disorders as the leading cause of maternal mortality.
B. **Option D: Infectious diseases** are also significant contributors to maternal mortality, but they are not as specific to pregnancy as hypertensive disorders.
C. **Option B: Obstructed labor** is also important, but hypertensive disorders are more prevalent and cause a higher number of maternal deaths.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact:**
Understanding the leading causes of maternal mortality is crucial for healthcare professionals worldwide to develop appropriate interventions and improve maternal health outcomes. Prompt recognition and management of hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, infectious diseases, and obstructed labor are essential to reduce maternal mortality rates.

**Correct Answer:** Option C: Hypertensive disorders (preeclampsia and eclampsia) are the most common cause of maternal mortality globally, accounting for approximately 14% of maternal deaths. Early recognition and prompt management of these conditions are vital for reducing maternal mortality.