Majority of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable

The majority of the roughly 700 pregnancy-related deaths each year in the U.S. are preventable, according to a new CDC analysis. Using data collected by maternal mortality committees in 13 states, researchers found that 60% of the deaths were preventable — meaning some change could have been implemented on the patient, provider, or health facility level. The deaths varied by race and when during the pregnancy they occurred. For example, Native American women and black women were more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Across all women, the most deaths happened in the week following the birth of a child. While maternal mortality is still relatively rare, “every death is tragic and it often represents a web of missed opportunities,” Dr. Nicole Davis, co-author of the new report, told STAT.