Pregnancy Deaths Have Risen In The U.S. – Many Among Minority Women

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Tuesday (May 7th) that pregnancy related deaths in the United States are increasing, mainly among minority women, and the main risk factor are African American women.

According to the study, African American women, Native Americans and Alaska natives are three times more likely to die before, during, or after giving birth, and more than half of the deaths are preventable.

The rate of pregnancy-related deaths has been rising for decades, even though they are still rare.

Per Fox News, Harvard Medical School obstetrician Dr. Neel Shah said in a statement,

Though most pregnancies progress safely, I urge the public health community to increase awareness with all expectant and new mothers about the signs of serious pregnancy complications and the need for preventative care that can and does save lives.

Possible factors could include high C-Section rates in the United States and increased obesity rates.  Also, heart related problems now cause most pregnancy-related deaths, while it used to be bleeding and infections.