Every year, approximately 4 million women in the United States give birth, with most returning home healthy and joyful with their newborns. However, an alarming trend is emerging: around 50,000 mothers annually are experiencing severe complications after childbirth, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These complications are not just temporary setbacks; they can have long-lasting, traumatizing effects on women’s health.
The term “Severe Maternal Morbidity” (SMM) encompasses these serious post-birth complications, which differ from maternal mortality—an unfortunate statistic affecting around 700 to 900 women each year due to pregnancy-related issues. SMM includes a range of complications such as hemorrhaging, organ failure, infections, and the necessity for surgeries post-delivery. While it’s a relief that many women survive these incidents, the aftermath often involves prolonged health challenges and emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linked to childbirth experiences. The financial toll on families dealing with such medical issues can be devastating and long-lasting.
What’s particularly troubling is that the incidence of these complications is on the rise. Between 1993 and 2014, the CDC reported a staggering 200% increase in severe complications related to childbirth. Even when blood transfusions are excluded from the data, the overall rise in complications is still around 20%. Among the most severe issues are hysterectomies and the need for ventilators following delivery.
Dr. James Carter, a maternal health expert, emphasizes that many of these complications are preventable. So, why is this happening? One significant factor is that many hospitals are not adequately investigating maternal health issues. While over 30 states have committees to review maternal deaths, only Illinois has implemented a systematic approach to examine severe complications, leaving many cases unaddressed.
Moreover, after childbirth, mothers often find themselves lacking adequate follow-up care. During pregnancy, they receive focused attention, but post-delivery care can be sparse, with many not being seen until their six-week check-up. This gap is critical, as many serious complications can arise in the weeks following birth.
Contributing factors to this surge in complications include increased poverty rates, limited access to healthcare, rising obesity rates among pregnant women, and advanced maternal age. Additionally, racial disparities significantly impact maternal health outcomes; Black women are disproportionately affected by complications and mortality rates during and after childbirth.
The growing trend of preventable maternal complications demands our attention and action. In 2023, we are advocating for a healthcare system that values every woman’s health, irrespective of their economic status or racial background. It’s unacceptable that in one of the world’s richest nations, women face such risks after giving birth, particularly when they are bringing the next generation into the world. We need answers and immediate solutions.
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In summary, while childbirth comes with its risks, the increasing rates of preventable maternal complications are unacceptable. We must prioritize the health of mothers and ensure that every woman receives the optimal care she deserves during and after pregnancy.