Throughout most of the world, maternal mortality has declined in the recent years. However, in the United States, it’s going in the opposite direction. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) the maternal death rate in the United States has increased by 58 percent since 1990. (1)
What makes matters worse, 3 out of 4 deaths are preventable. Fortunately, through early intervention, proper nutrition, and light exercise, many of the conditions that lead to maternal mortality can be treated or at least properly maintained.
Maternal Mortality
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines maternal mortality as,
the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of the pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.” (2)
Rate of Maternal Mortality
According to the WHO,
Every day in 2017, approximately 810 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.” (3)
Read that again. There were 810 preventable maternal deaths every single day! There are almost no words for how appalling that is.
Maternal Mortality Rates in the US
In 2020, 861 women died from pregnancy or delivery related complications. The rate of maternal mortality was 23.8 per 100,000 births.
A noticeable increase from 2019 with a rate of 20.1 per 100,000 live births, and 2018 with 17 per 100,000.
Non-Hispanic black women are the most effected by maternal mortality. In 2020, they had a rate of 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. According to the CDC, it was a “significant” increase from 2019.
Another factor that puts a woman at higher risk for maternal mortality is age. In 2020, 13.8 per 100,000 women under the age of 25 died from maternal mortality. Women who were 25-39 had a rate of 22.8 and the rate for women over 40 was 107.9 per 100,000 live births.
That means women over the age of 40 have a 7.8 times higher chance of maternal mortality than women under 25. (2)
The CDC states that there was a significant increase in maternal mortality from 2019 to 2020 in women 25 and over.
The current White House administration themselves are addressing the severe issues that are on the rise within the medical industry.
The Biden-Harris Administration is announcing initial actions it has taken to address the maternal health crisis in the United States. America’s maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the developed world, and they are especially high among black women and Native American women… The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that two out of three of these deaths are preventable.”(4)
We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with some of the best doctors, yet we have the highest maternal death rate out of all the industrialized countries. The United States is the only developed country whose maternal health is decreasing.
The United States is farther down the list of maternal deaths than countries like Croatia, Turkey, and Russia. How is that even possible? (Take a look here if you want to see the numbers for each country.)
What Causes Maternal Mortality
The WHO states that most of the complications that lead to maternal mortality are developed during pregnancy and are preventable and treatable.
The major complications that account for 75 percent of deaths are: (3)
- severe bleeding (mostly bleeding after childbirth)
- infections (usually after childbirth)
- high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia)
- complications from delivery
- unsafe abortion.
Mounting evidence is also showing that heart disease (CVD) causes about 33 percent of maternal deaths. CVD causes damage to the heart and blood vessels, which in turn can lead to complications like a heart attack and stroke. (1)
Women at the highest risk for CVD are those with obesity, sleep apnea, and African American women. Pregnancy acts as a “stress test” on the heart, and may reveal a condition women might not even know they have.
Why Are Mother’s Dying?
We’re at the point where the majority of pregnancy related complications are well known and the medical industry has knowledge of how to manage them. Yet, women are dying anyway.
The WHO says,
Severe bleeding after birth can kill a healthy woman within hours if she in unattended.” (3)
Issues like a tear in the cervix, a tear in a blood vessel in the uterus, blood clotting disorders, or placenta problems are the main culprits for why a woman begins to bleed severely.
1 to 5 out of 100 women have postpartum hemorrhage, those who had a c-section having a higher chance.
But why do women even have the chance to bleed for hours without someone noticing? The average time a woman’s required to stay in a hospital after birth is 24 hours. If there were complications during delivery, it’s likely they’ll have to spend a few addition days under supervision.
There are some healthcare practitioners that will say the issue is because they don’t pay close enough attention. They have very busy schedules which keep them from being able to come back for regular checkups.
The Cascade of Medical Intervention
One of the primary reasons maternal mortality is on the rise in the United States is because of hospital protocols and interventions. And often times, hospitals are unprepared for a maternal emergency.
Far too many women are falling victim to the avalanche of side effects that occur when they allow medicine into what should be a natural process.
It often starts with induced labor. Contractions are intensified by the medication, which can cause severe pain. Intense pain prompts the woman to ask for an epidural, which inhibits the natural labor process.
With labor slowed, or sometimes even stalled, Pitocin is recommended by the doctor. Pitocin intensifies contractions to the point where it could causes stress on the baby.
An emergency C-section may be necessary to deliver the baby who is now being deprived of oxygen.
Induced Labor
According to the National Library of Medicine, about 1 in 4 women are induced in the United States. (5)
What’s even more shocking than the amount of induced labors, is the reason behind the induction.
Woman are choosing to get induced.
In Australia, 15 percent of first time mothers were induced without medical reasons. (6)
I know of several women who chose a date to induce labor a week before they were even due. They claimed it was out of fear of having a big baby.
However, the weight of the baby alone is not an excuse to speed up the process. Especially because measurements are an estimation, not exact science.
There are times that induction is necessary, but far too often either the doctor or the woman use the method out of impatience.
Induced labors have higher risks for both the baby and the mother. They’re also associated with C-section rates.
For the woman induced labor may cause:
Infection– Rupturing the membrane (a type of induced labor) has the potential of increasing the risk of infection in both the mother and the baby.
Uterine bleeding– Woman are more prone to uterine bleeding (hemorrhaging) after delivery due to induction medication sidelining the body’s natural response of the uterus contracting.
Low heart rate– Induction often makes contractions more intense, which puts the woman and the baby under stress. This may cause the baby’s oxygen level to lower, which will then lower their heart rate. As a result, an emergency C-section may be necessary.
Uterine rupture– Women with scars from a previous C-section have the risk of their uterus tearing along the scar line due to the intensity of contractions. In turn another C-section may be necessary. There are times where the uterus has to be removed.
Failed induction– First time mothers have about a 75 percent chance of delivering their baby vaginally after being induced. However, 25 percent of the women will require a C-section.
Epidurals
Another common reason women have to be induced, is due to epidurals. Or vice versa. Due to induction medication causing abnormally intense contractions, the woman feels she has no other choice than to request an epidural.
Over 60 percent of women use epidurals for pain management.
Yet few know the extensive list of side effects that may occur. A few of the more alarming side effects are:
Infection– Infections can occur around the skin where the needle is inserted.
Severe headache– There are times that the sack of fluid surrounding the spine is accidentally punctured by the epidural needle during insertion. This leads to a severe headache.
Temporary nerve damage- Both the epidural needle and tube have the potential of damaging the surrounding nerves, which may lead to loss of feeling and movement in parts of the lower body.
Don’t worry though, healthcare agencies say that it usually gets better after a few days… or weeks. But sometimes it may be months. No need for concern.
Permanent nerve damage– Though rare (1 in 200,000 women), epidurals may cause permanent nerve damage leading to loss of feeling and movement in the lower half of the body. This can be due to the spine being damaged by the epidural needle, infection, or incorrect medicines being injected into the catheter.
Death- Often times caused by an infection. Health agencies assure this is very rare.
Epidurals slow the labor process and can make it more difficult for the baby to get into the best position for birth. They inhibit the production of natural oxytocin. This then leads to many women being given synthetic oxytocin (commonly called Pitocin).
One side effect of Piocin is excessive bleeding long after childbirth. (7)
C-Sections
Nearly one in three babies are born by c-section in the United States.
Risks associated with c-sections are:
Emotional reactions- Far too often women have negative experiences from a c-section. This makes it harder for them to bond with their baby.
Reactions to medications- Some women have a negative reaction to the anesthesia or pain medication given during the c-section.
Injury to organs- 2 per 100 women experience injury to organs like the bowel and bladder.
Infection- Often times at the site of the incision, but they may also occur in the uterus and bladder.
Adhesions- Scar tissue can form from the the incision which may cause pain and blockage.
They may also lead to future pregnancy complications.
Hemorrhage or blood loss- 1 to 6 women per 100 require a blood transfusion after a c-section. C-sections cause more blood loss than a normal vaginal birth.
Risk of addition surgeries- Due to possible complications or medical mistake, there may be a chance of another c-section for later births, a hysterectomy, or bladder repair.
Maternal mortality- c-sections have a higher chance for maternal mortality than vaginal births.
It’s an extensive list of side effects. And there are still more for the baby. (8)
It begs the question, why are so many women undergoing c-sections?
While most are performed for health reasons, some are due to the mother’s request.
Health reasons can range from a complication occurring during pregnancy to the cascading of events that are caused by medical interventions.
Overlake Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC says,
The reality is that women experiencing induced labors are far more likely to require a C-section, and this can be avoided if induction isn’t necessary in the first place.” (9)
Is it Worth it?
On and on down the rabbit hole we could go. But the main point is that too many women are experiencing unnecessary medical intervention. And they aren’t being properly informed of what may occur if they allow hospitals to take control of their birthing process.
Think of it this way.
You walked into a pricey hair salon, excited and nervous that you’re going to leave looking and feeling better than when you entered. They’re experts in their craft, after all. Therefore, there is faith that they know what they are doing. They’re the best people to help you with what you need fixed.
Yet, your experience leaves you looking maimed and hideous. They didn’t listen to how you wanted your hairstyle. They thought they knew what would fit you best. Halfway through, they realized they misjudged the situation, but refused to admit their error and charged on. The end result an utter disaster.
No one in their right mind would return and say, let’s have another go. Your scissors must have made the mistake last time. I trust you.
If we don’t accept this type of behavior in other industries, why do women allow it when their lives are at risk?
How to Prevent Maternal Mortality
One of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality is to be in good health before you get pregnant. However, many women aren’t told of the importance of health for a positive pregnancy experience and birth.
The #1 most important factor to a healthy pregnancy is nutrition. The expression “you are what you eat,” didn’t come around for no reason.
I definitely had no idea how my pre-pregnancy habits would affect my experience. I thought I was healthy for the most part, but it became clear not long into my first trimester that I wasn’t.
It was a hard lesson to learn, but I implemented the tactics listed below the second time around, and the difference in my pregnancies was staggering.
Eat a Well-Balance Diet– Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for your health and the proper growth of your unborn baby.
A pregnancy diet isn’t solely about the amount of calories you need to eat. It should focus on healthy foods like fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, and the proper amount of protein (about 71 grams a day).
Eliminate junk food, processed food, and unhealthy fats.
If you want more in-depth information check out my blog on the ideal pregnancy diet.
Exercise- Exercise during pregnancy has many benefits for the health of a pregnant woman. Besides for easing constipation and reducing back pain, exercise may decrease the risk of developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and C-section.
Fresh Air and Sunshine- This one seems way to simple, but vitamin D is essential for proper nutrient absorption and preventing preeclampsia. Take a walk, enjoy the sunshine, and breathe in clean, fresh air. It’s incredibly relaxing.
Supplementing
Many health advocates harp on getting nutrients from food and skipping the supplements. That would be perfect in an ideal world. However, many women are not able to properly absorb the nutrients from the food they are eating. This can be due to a poor digestive system.
I was one of those women that didn’t get everything I needed from the food I was eating. Trust me, I tried with my first pregnancy. I hated the thought of spending what seemed to be large sums of money for powders, pills, and liquids.
Unfortunately, my digestive system was atrocious, and needed lots of extra help. For my second pregnancy, I not only ate better, I added in a few supplements to assist in areas I knew were weak.
Baby & Me 2 by MegaFood– Having a high quality prenatal is one the most important supplements to take during pregnancy. Government agencies and healthcare professionals both stress the necessity.
The main reason is because of the folate, which is essential for reducing risk of birth defects in the spine and brain of the developing baby. Folate also helps prevent anemia in the mother. (Make sure to get a supplement that has the folate, not folic acid.)
Fermented Cod Liver Oil– Fish oil is an excellent source of DHA and EPA. DHA is important for development, especially brain development, in the unborn baby.
And a little known benefit of DHA and EPA is that they have an antidepressant effect, making it a great preventative and treatment for postpartum depression.
I took fish oil my entire second pregnancy, and believe it’s one of the main reason I didn’t suffer from post-partum depression the way I did after my first pregnancy.
Fish oil is also an anti-inflammatory and great for heart health.
Morning Star Minerals– Inner Vitality is plant derived liquid minerals that allow for easier absorption into the bloodstream. If the body doesn’t have the proper amount of minerals it may lead to hypertension, preeclampsia, cardiomyopathy, anemia, and even maternal mortality.
Healthy Origins Vitamin D– It would be ideal to get enough vitamin D from sunshine alone, but we live in a world where women are often deficient in vitamin D and don’t venture into the sun nearly as often as they should.
Vitamin D supports immune function and bone health, and is necessary for proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus. A vitamin D deficiency is linked to preeclampsia.
Renew Life Women’s Probiotics– Probiotics (which you can also get from fermented foods) help maintain and restore healthy gut flora. Without a properly functioning digestive system, you aren’t able to digest your food, which in turn inhibits nutrient absorption. The immune system is also unable to work appropriately when there isn’t a balance of good bacteria in the gut.
Take a look at my About Me page to see the incredible difference in my appearance by simply changing my approach to pregnancy.
Think About It
For years, women have been conditioned to fear birth. The pain, the possible complications, the damage our bodies suffer.
Far too many focus on these issues rather than taking immediate action to prevent any of this from happening. If you’re healthy before you get pregnant, the chances of complications are very low.
Even if a complication arises during pregnancy, take immediate action. Don’t wait for high blood pressure to turn into preeclampsia.
And maybe the most important information to take away from this article is that having a baby is a natural part of life. It shouldn’t be wrought with pregnancy pains and complications. Induced labor, epidurals, and c-sections shouldn’t be a common occurrence.
There’s alternative health care out there that needs to be explored more in depth.