Trends in Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications in the U.S. | Blue Cross Blue Shield

Trends in Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications in the U.S. | Blue Cross Blue Shield

More women are entering pregnancy with pre-existing conditions

A new Blue Cross Blue Shield report finds that more women are entering pregnancy with pre-existing conditions now than in the past, which may be driving up the rate of complications during and after pregnancy. Here's more from the report: 

• Overall findings: The percentage of pregnant women who were obese was twice as high in 2018 compared to 2015. There was a 28% increase in pregnant women with type 2 diabetes and a 35% increase in pregnant women with depression. 
• Complications: From 2014-2018, rates of pregnancy complications increased by 16%, while childbirth complications increased 14%. Eclampsia, respiratory distress, and sepsis saw the biggest increases since 2014. 
• Postpartum health: Nearly 1 in 10 women who delivered a baby in 2018 was diagnosed with postpartum depression, a nearly 30% increase since 2014.