Maternity mortality rates in the United States have accelerated in recent years and far exceed that of all other developed countries. Given the advanced state of our medical technology, maternal deaths should not be occurring at such a high rate in the U. Something is wrong. Wade has seriously heightened concern for unsafe back room abortions.
They were a real problem 50 years ago before Roe v. Unsafe abortions could soon become a serious public health concern. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are pregnancy conditions that cause high blood pressure and elevated levels of urine protein, indicating kidney damage or other organ damage.
It commonly shows up after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but it can also develop postpartum. Untreated, it can lead to fatality for both mother and baby. Postpartum hemorrhage bleeding usually occurs within 24 hours of giving birth but remains a risk for up to 12 weeks. Uncontrolled heavy bleeding can lead to low blood pressure and death. Treatment includes medications, uterine massage and blood transfusions.
Left untreated, infections during pregnancy and the postpartum period can lead to serious complications for mother and baby, including death. Some of the most common infections experienced by pregnant women include:.
According to statistics from The Commonwealth Fund, the U. Additionally, while the U. At the same time, the U. This suggests that the U. Lauren Bloomstein was a pediatric nurse who was expecting her 1st child when she was 33 years old. Her pregnancy proceeded without incident, and she continued to work hour shifts, 3 days a week, until her 9th month. Her husband, a physician, monitored her blood pressure and vitals, which were consistently normal.
