The United States is facing a maternal mortality crisis, with the highest rate among high-income countries at 22 deaths per 100,000 live births. Factors such as inadequate healthcare access and implicit bias in medical care contribute to the disparities in maternal mortality rates, especially affecting Black women who are more than twice as likely to die due to pregnancy-related causes. The leading complications associated with maternal deaths have shifted towards underlying cardiovascular conditions rather than traditional obstetric risks, posing new challenges in addressing maternal mortality in the US.
Issues with how the US monitors maternal mortality through a pregnancy checkbox on death certificates have also raised concerns, leading to debates on accurately identifying and addressing preventable deaths. Experts suggest investing in federal infrastructure to improve maternal death reporting and establish a more reliable system similar to other high-income countries.
To improve outcomes for mothers in the US, experts recommend providing better prenatal care through medical assessments before conception, regular prenatal care during pregnancy, home visits, and postpartum checkups following delivery. Addressing social and economic challenges faced by pregnant women, especially those in minority groups, is also essential in improving maternal health in the US.
Overall, addressing the maternal mortality crisis in the US requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving healthcare access, addressing biases in medical care, and implementing better reporting systems to accurately identify and prevent maternal deaths. By prioritizing maternal health and investing in preventive measures, the US can work towards reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring better outcomes for mothers and babies.
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