His Wife Died During Childbirth. Now He Must Say Goodbye To His Son.

On April 29, 2019, 37-year-old Lauren Accurso died from complications following the birth of her son. Due to a prolonged period without oxygen, her baby suffered a significant brain injury. Just 18 days after losing his wife, the child’s father, Matthew Accurso made the agonizing decision to take his infant son off life support. This might leave many parents worrying about pregnancy risks. (1)

If you wish to help him, donate to his GoFundMe.

700 Annual Birth-Related Deaths

Although it seems unimaginable that such a tragedy can happen today, the CDC found that about 700 women die from pregnancy-related complications each year. Data collected between 2001 – 2015 from the CDC’s national Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System (PMSS) showed 31.3% of birth-related deaths occurred during pregnancy, 16.9% on the day of delivery, 18.6% on days 1–6 postpartum. Perhaps more surprising, 21.4% died on days 7–42 following birth, and 11.7% died as long as 43–365 days after birth. This shows the dangers of birth-related deaths remains for up to a year following the time of birth. (2, 3)

Leading Causes Of Birth-Related Death

The CDC found the most common causes of death between 2011 and 2015 were:

Hemorrhage 11.2%
Infection or sepsis 12.4%

Amniotic fluid embolism 5.5%
Thrombotic pulmonary or other embolism 9.2%
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy 6.8%

Cerebrovascular accidents 7.6%
Cardiomyopathy 10.8%
Other cardiovascular conditions 15.1%

Other noncardiovascular medical conditions 14.3%

In 6.7% of deaths, the cause was unknown. (3)

Preventable Birth-Related Deaths

Data collected from 2013 to 2017 showed about three in five pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. As a result, the CDC recommends ongoing reviews of each death to provide insight on prevention. Meanwhile, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act of 2018 will provide federal grants to fund the investigation of birth-related deaths within a year of pregnancy. (2, 4)

CDC Prevention Recommendations

In addition, the CDC recommends the following to help reduce pregnancy risks:

Women’s health improvements
Reduction of social inequities

Ensuring quality care for pregnant and postpartum women
The management of chronic health conditions
Standardized obstetric emergency procedures in all hospitals

Specialized facilities to care for high-risk pregnancies (2)

But what can mothers do to reduce pregnancy risks?

It Starts With Preconception Care

Preconception care addresses health before the mother becomes pregnant. At this time mothers can discuss a plan for reproductive life and be given vital instructions to enjoy a healthy pregnancy including:

An increase of folic acid to at least 400 micrograms daily to reduce the risk for neural tube defects by as much as 70%
Updating their immunizations
Ensuring they control diabetes and other medical conditions they might have

Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug use
Reaching a healthy weight
Learning more about health histories for both parents

Receiving help for mental health issues (5)

When the mother is as healthy as possible, she reduces pregnancy risk.

How To Improve Pregnancy Outcomes

According to Shivani Patel, M.D. Obstetrics & Gynecology, at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Texas, women without access to a primary care doctor or Ob/Gyn are more likely to experience pregnancy risks. As an Ob/Gyn in the state with the highest maternal death rate in the country, she recommends women receive prenatal care as soon as possible. (6)

Women who start care once they know they are pregnant will have access to the special medical care required during pregnancy. For example, doctors will be able to manage chronic diseases that are either pre-existing or developed during or following pregnancy. (6)

In addition to seeing a doctor as soon as possible, Dr. Patel recommends the following for a healthy pregnancy:

Work with a doctor to identify and manage risk factors that can lead to complications during pregnancy and/or delivery

Find a local hospital with a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist on staff when possible
Make sure the hospital has a blood bank
Make sure the hospital can handle special needs for chronic conditions such as diabetes

Be prepared for labor and delivery (6)

How Prenatal Care Reduces Pregnancy Risk

Prenatal care can help prevent complications while providing valuable instruction on how to maintain a healthy pregnancy. At prenatal appointments, mothers receive instruction on safe diet, exercise, and how to reduce exposure to harmful substances including medications and herbal supplements. Health conditions that can lead to complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure can also be monitored. Checkups will also reduce the risk of fetus and infant complications. (5)

Conclusion

As medical facilities struggle with the challenges of birth-related deaths, government support might help provide the funding required to understand the causes. This hopefully will help reduce pregnancy risks. By taking a pro-active approach to prenatal care, mothers can enjoy a healthy pregnancy while reducing pregnancy risks. (4, 5)