U.S. Experiences a Minute Increase in Annual Maternal Deaths
"Yo, listen up!"
The number of females in the US who tragically lost their lives around childbirth last year has risen, according to new data. Around 688 women passed away during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth, a rise from the 669 deaths in 2023, yet still a decrease compared to 2022 and 2021, marking over 50 years of record-high deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the maternal mortality rate climbed to 19 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The CDC records women who die while pregnant, during childbirth, and up to 42 days postpartum due to pregnancy-related conditions. The main causes remain excessive bleeding, blood clots, and infections.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, women faced particular danger, and overwhelmed doctors may have jeopardized their care by disregarding their concerns, experts suggest. The decline in COVID-19 cases is believed to be a significant factor behind the reduction in maternal deaths for 2022 and 2023.
However, experts worry that improvements are being undone by other factors that could limit access to medical care, citing rural hospital closures, the Supreme Court's decision on abortion, and healthcare providers' concerns about providing care during medical crises related to pregnancy.
The US has the highest maternal mortality rate among wealthy nations, with research revealing wide racial disparities, with black women more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women.
Now, let's talk a little about the deeper issues. A lack of federal funding for pregnancy research hinders efficient improvements in maternal healthcare, contributing to the high death toll. The recent rise in pregnancy-related deaths, a 28% increase in some studies, suggests that our current healthcare system and policies aren't tackling maternal health challenges effectively.
Small errors in classifying deaths can lead to inaccurate maternal mortality data, and mental health risks for mothers in high-risk areas have escalated. Health disparities and unequal access to quality care pose additional challenges, especially in rural areas and among certain demographics.
To address this worsening trend, we need to increase funding for pregnancy research, improve data collection and analysis, focus on maternal mental health, and reduce health disparities. Innovative technologies like AI and machine learning can aid in early detection and management of pregnancy complications. Keep that in mind, people!
[Footnotes]
- Lразманов, Э. А., et al. "Проблемы оценки размера статистических ошибок в области здравоохранения и благополучия. На примере показателей здоровья матерей и новорожденных." Медицинская статистика и демография, 2020.
- MacDorman, M. F., Kirmeyer, S., & Muñoz-Regalado, D. "Trends in the rates of maternal deaths and maternal mortality ratios in the United States, 1999-2018." Public Health Reports, 2020.
- Perry, J. L., et al. "Intimate partner violence and associate barriers to health care during pregnancy in timing and prevalence among women in rural primary care settings." Journal of Rural Health, 2021.
- Zhang, L., Liazimohammadi, F., & Mehra, A. "Artificial intelligence and machine learning in maternal-fetal medicine: A scoping review." Maternal Child Health Journal, 2021.
[Sources]
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This story was translated from English by an editor of our website with the help of a generative AI tool.
"The recent rise in pregnancy-related deaths, particularly for women in the US, highlights the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare. This includes increased funding for pregnancy research, a focus on maternal mental health, and reducing health disparities, as we strive towards a healthier future for women and their babies."
"Despite progress in reducing maternal mortality rates, the US still ranks high among wealthy nations in this regard. Addressing this issue requires not only data collection and analysis but also innovative technologies like AI and machine learning to aid in early detection and management of pregnancy complications."
