While it’s true that the majority of the nearly 4 million women who give birth annually in the United States return home healthy and joyful with their newborns, there is an alarming trend that cannot be ignored. Approximately 50,000 mothers each year, as reported by the CDC, are facing severe, debilitating, and at times life-threatening complications after childbirth—conditions that can leave lasting scars, both physical and emotional.
What’s particularly concerning is that this figure seems to be on the rise. This situation is encapsulated in the term Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM), which encompasses serious health complications occurring during or after pregnancy that have significant repercussions for mothers. Unlike maternal mortality—which, although tragic, affects a smaller group of women (around 700 to 900 each year)—SMM includes issues like hemorrhaging, organ failure, infections, and the need for post-delivery surgeries, particularly involving the uterus and surrounding organs.
While it’s important for survivors to appreciate that they have lived through these harrowing experiences, we must ask: at what cost? Many women endure long-lasting health issues, emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth, and significant financial burdens from medical expenses that can last for years.
Disturbingly, the rate of severe complications during pregnancy and childbirth has surged over 200% from 1993 to 2014. Much of this increase is attributable to a rise in blood transfusions; however, even when excluding transfusions, the rate of complications still rose by 20% during that period, with hysterectomies and the necessity for breathing support topping the list.
Dr. Samantha Richards, a leading figure in maternal health advocacy, notes, “These figures are alarmingly high, and far too many of these cases could be prevented.” So, what is driving this troubling trend?
Insufficient Investigation of Maternal Complications
One major issue is the insufficient investigation of maternal complications by hospitals across the U.S. Many facilities fail to thoroughly analyze cases unless they result in death, neglecting to identify potential areas for improvement. Although there are more than 30 states and cities with committees to review maternal mortality, only Illinois has taken the initiative to systematically examine severe complications.
Postpartum Care Gaps
Another contributing factor is the healthcare system’s focus on mothers during pregnancy, often leaving them to navigate their postpartum care alone until their six-week follow-up visit. This gap is particularly concerning, as many serious medical events occur shortly after childbirth. Eugene Thompson, a health policy expert at the University of Washington, notes, “The healthcare system tends to lose track of women once they deliver, which can lead to overlooked complications.”
Additional Contributing Factors
Several additional factors are likely influencing this surge in complications, including rising poverty rates, inequitable access to healthcare, increasing maternal obesity, and advanced maternal age. Moreover, racial disparities in maternal health cannot be overlooked; Black women and their infants face significantly higher rates of complications and mortality.
This reality is infuriating and unacceptable. In an era where women are asserting their rights and demanding respect, we must not tolerate a system that allows such preventable complications to rise. It is imperative that every mother receives adequate medical care, regardless of her socioeconomic status or race. The United States, being one of the wealthiest nations, should ensure optimal healthcare for all, especially for those bringing forth the next generation.
Call to Action
We need urgent action to address the reasons behind the rising rates of maternal complications. For more information on how to navigate issues related to fertility and home insemination, you can check out resources from Make a Mom. Additionally, an insightful article on the success of intrauterine insemination can be found at WebMD. Don’t forget to review our terms and conditions at Intracervical Insemination to stay informed.
In summary, the increase in preventable maternal complications in the United States is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. Women deserve better care before, during, and after childbirth. As we advocate for change, we must ensure that every mother receives the support and medical attention she needs to thrive.