Pregnancy is a beautiful experience but it comes with its share of risks. Unfortunately, the United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries. Every year, around 700 women die from pregnancy-related complications.

However, research shows that four out of five of these deaths could be prevented with proper care and attention.

What is maternal mortality?

Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of giving birth. Pregnancy-related complications are one of the leading causes of death for women in the US.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 17.4 women died for every 100,000 live births in 2018. That’s a total of 658 deaths.

Causes of maternal mortality

Maternal mortality can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include:.

Hemorrhage or severe bleeding
Infections
Preeclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy
Complications during delivery
Medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease
Drug overdose or substance abuse

Disparities in maternal mortality rates

Maternal mortality rates are not the same for all women in the US. There are significant disparities in mortality rates based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Black women are the most affected and are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women are also at a higher risk of maternal mortality.

Preventing maternal mortality

Although maternal mortality is a complex issue, research shows that most cases are preventable with proper care and attention. Here are some steps that can be taken to reduce the rate of maternal mortality:.

1. Access to quality prenatal care

Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Regular check-ups can help detect any potential complications early on and improve outcomes for both mother and baby. However, not all women have access to quality prenatal care.

Lack of insurance, transportation, and childcare can be barriers to receiving proper care. Addressing these issues could help reduce the maternal mortality rate.

2. Addressing racial and ethnic disparities

Black women are at a higher risk of maternal mortality due to a variety of factors including racism, bias, and systemic inequalities. Addressing these issues can help improve outcomes for all women.

Healthcare providers must also be aware of the disparities and work towards providing culturally competent care for all women.

3. Training for healthcare providers

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in preventing maternal mortality. Proper training on identifying and managing pregnancy-related complications can improve outcomes for women.

Providers should also be trained on cultural sensitivity and bias-reduction to ensure that all women receive equal care.

4. Improved access to emergency obstetric care

Timely access to emergency obstetric care can mean the difference between life and death for a pregnant woman. Rural areas often lack access to emergency care and can delay treatment.

Improving access to emergency care can help reduce the maternal mortality rate.

5. Postpartum care

Postpartum care is important for a woman’s overall health and well-being. New mothers need support and care after giving birth.

Follow-up visits with healthcare providers can help detect any potential complications and help women adjust to their new roles as mothers.

Conclusion

Maternal mortality is a serious issue in the US, but most cases are preventable.

By improving access to quality prenatal care, addressing racial and ethnic disparities, training healthcare providers, improving access to emergency obstetric care, and providing postpartum care, we can reduce the maternal mortality rate and ensure that every woman has a safe and healthy pregnancy.