Every year, around 4 million women give birth in the United States, and most of them return home healthy and joyful, cradling their newborns. However, a troubling trend has emerged: approximately 50,000 mothers annually are facing severe post-birth complications, which can be traumatizing, debilitating, and sometimes life-threatening.
The term for these after-birth complications is Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM). Unlike maternal mortality, which, while tragic, affects a smaller number of women (about 700 to 900 deaths each year), SMM encompasses a wide range of serious conditions that can have significant long-term repercussions. As outlined in a recent NPR editorial, these complications include hemorrhaging, organ failure, infections, and the necessity for post-delivery surgeries, especially involving the uterus and surrounding organs.
While surviving these ordeals is a relief, the aftermath can be devastating. Many mothers are left grappling with lasting medical issues and emotional trauma, including post-partum PTSD. The financial burden can also be overwhelming, affecting families for years. It’s alarming to note that the rate of serious complications from childbirth has surged over 200% from 1993 to 2014, according to the CDC. Even when excluding blood transfusions from this data, complications have still risen by 20%. Among the most common issues are hysterectomies and the need for ventilators after delivery.
Dr. Sarah Collins, a maternal health expert, emphasizes that “these numbers are unacceptably high, and far too many of these complications could be avoided.” So, what’s behind this disturbing trend, and what can be done to change it?
One significant concern is the lack of thorough investigation into maternal complications once a mother survives childbirth. While over 30 states have committees to review maternal deaths, only Illinois has begun systematically examining severe complications. Often, once a mother leaves the hospital, she may not receive adequate follow-up care until her six-week checkup, leaving her vulnerable during a critical recovery period.
Additionally, societal factors are at play. Rising poverty rates, unequal access to healthcare, increasing maternal obesity, and advanced maternal age contribute to growing complications. It’s also crucial to recognize that racial disparities exist, as Black women and their infants are disproportionately affected by complications and mortality.
Isn’t it infuriating? In 2023, we need to demand better! It’s time for women’s health to be prioritized not just during pregnancy but also afterward. No mother should be disadvantaged because of her economic status or race. We are in one of the wealthiest nations, and we deserve top-tier healthcare, especially after bringing new life into the world. We must find out why so many women are suffering after childbirth and take action immediately.
For those interested in expanding their family, check out this fertility booster for men that can help in your journey. And if you’re looking for more information about home insemination, this babymaker at home insemination kit offers valuable insights. For further support, consider visiting this resource on fertility treatments.
In summary, the alarming rise in preventable maternal complications in the U.S. is an urgent issue that demands our attention. Women must receive optimal care without discrimination based on class or race. Together, we can advocate for necessary changes to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers everywhere.
Keyphrase: Preventable Maternal Complications
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]