Maternal Mortality: The Surging Crisis - AI Podcast
Story at-a-glance
- Recent data show U.S. maternal mortality rates increased by 27.7% between 2018 and 2022, with one-third of pregnancy-related deaths occurring after the standard six-week postpartum care period
- Significant disparities exist in maternal death rates by state, race, and ethnicity. American Indian/Alaska Native women face a nearly four times higher risk than white women
- Cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of late maternal deaths, followed by cancer and endocrine conditions. Drug and alcohol-related issues and mental or behavioral disorders are also significant contributors
- U.S. infant mortality also increased by 3% from 2021 to 2022, the first rise in 20 years, with deaths from maternal complications rising 8.6% and newborn bacterial sepsis up 13.7%
- To reduce maternal mortality risk, track your symptoms after birth, push for care beyond the standard six-week visit, and make informed decisions throughout pregnancy and postpartum
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