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During African American (Black) History Month, we highlight opportunities to address issues that impact the health of black women in our communities.
Prevent Pregnancy-Related Mortality in the United States Pregnancy-related mortality ratios by year and race and ethnicity: United States, 2006–2010  Source: Fig. 1. Creanga. Pregnancy-Related Mortality in the United States. Obstet Gynecol 2015. About 650 women die each year in
the United States as a result of pregnancy or delivery complications. Non-Hispanic black women have the highest
risk of dying from pregnancy complications. Non-Hispanic black women have a 3.2 times higher risk of dying of
pregnancy complications than non-Hispanic white women. Some maternal deaths are
preventable. What
can we do to prevent pregnancy-related deaths?
For women and couples: Take steps to adopt a healthy lifestyle
and address any health problems before getting pregnant. Start
with a healthy pregnancy
and get prenatal care early and throughout pregnancy. For health providers: Start
or participate in a Perinatal
Quality Collaborative. PQCs are networks of perinatal care providers
and public health professionals working to improve pregnancy outcomes for women
and newborns by advancing evidence-based clinical practices and processes. Use
protocols and clinical policies that are implemented systematically to
reduce adverse maternal outcomes. For example, the National
Partnership for Maternal Safety’s action
plan provides evidence-based patient safety bundles for three conditions
(obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and venous
thromboembolism). For
health coverage:
All Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid plans cover
pregnancy and childbirth. This is true even if pregnancy begins before coverage
takes effect.
Call 1-800-311-BABY to find free or reduced cost prenatal care. Pregnancy-related mortality ratios by age and race and ethnicity: United States, 2006–2010  Source: Fig. 2. Creanga. Pregnancy-Related Mortality in the United States. Obstet Gynecol 2015.
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