The time is now: addressing the need for training in maternal critical care medicine

•Most maternal deaths in high income countries are due to indirect medical causes.•Increased complexity of maternal illness contributes to indirect causes of deaths.•Obstetric critical care education remains undefined and new models are required.•Obstetric anesthesiologists can incorporate critical care skills in obstetric care.•Dual obstetric anesthesiology/critical care fellowships might improve obstetric care.