New Report Reveals Climbing Maternal Death Rate in United States
The maternal death rate in the United States is approximately 3 to 4 times greater that of any other developed nation in the world. What’s worse, this rate continues to climb and the number of childbirth-related maternal deaths in the U.S. appears to be ever-increasing, while other nations’ maternal death rates are steadily shrinking.
In addition to roughly 700 childbirth-related deaths per day, approximately 50,000 more pregnant mothers experience major complications and severe injuries during labor and delivery. According to a recent investigation by USA Today, the majority of these injuries and deaths are preventable and stem from hospitals’ failure to adhere to safety practices known to keep mothers safe.
Improperly Treated Hypertension Is a Leading Cause of Death During Labor & Delivery
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most prevalent causes of death for women who are giving or have recently given birth. When not treated appropriately, high blood pressure can cause strokes and seizures, leading to severe injuries and death.
An estimated 60% of all hypertension-related maternal deaths in the last 2 years have been preventable. However, when hospitals do not expeditiously identify and treat pregnant and new mothers with high blood pressure often do not intervene soon enough. In many cases, medical staff drop the ball from the very beginning by failing to take mothers’ blood pressure while they are seated in the proper position and continue monitoring it frequently thereafter. Sadly, even in cases where hospitals do make a point to regularly monitor mothers’ blood pressure, administration of blood pressure medication is often too late.
Extreme Blood Loss During Childbirth Kills Hundreds of Mothers Every Year
Failure to monitor blood pressure appropriately also affects mothers who experience extreme internal bleeding during or after birth. Though the injuries themselves may be hidden, women who are losing massive amounts of blood will have dramatically decreased blood pressure readings, which are noticeable when doctors, nurses, and other medical staff follow proper safety protocol.
An estimated 90% of maternal deaths that occur as a result of major hemorrhaging are avoidable when hospitals have the equipment and supplies to stop bleeding when necessary, correctly assess blood loss during and after labor, and provide necessary additional treatments and medicine when a woman’s blood loss reaches certain levels. Failure to do any of the above can result in tragic death or severe medical complications.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys Serving Mothers in Atlanta
The Mabrey Firm, P.C. represents mothers who have been severely injured through medical negligence during and after birth, as well as families who have lost loved ones during labor and delivery. Our Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers provide compassionate, effective legal service, and we may be able to help you hold your healthcare provider responsible for failing to adhere to widely accepted safety standards for evaluating and quickly addressing issues with mothers’ health.
Call (404) 814-5098 today to speak to a member of our team and consult with our medical malpractice team about your case.
