US Maternal Mortality Rate on the Rise, Study Finds
The Increase in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)
FRIDAY, April 5, 2024 (HealthDay News) – A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant increase in the U.S. maternal mortality rate (MMR) between 2014 and 2021, with the steepest rise seen after 2019.
Change in Maternal Age Distribution and MMR
The study, led by Dr. Zachary H. Hughes from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, explored the changes in age distribution and the MMR of women aged 15 to 44 years during the specified time frame. The research analyzed data obtained from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wonder databases.
Increasing Mean Age of Women Giving Birth
Throughout the study period, the average age of women at the time of childbirth increased from 28.3 years in 2014 to 29.4 years, indicating a gradual shift towards delayed pregnancies.
Escalation in Maternal Mortality Rate
The study observed a significant and concerning rise in the MMR, reaching 18.9 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2019 from an initial rate of 16.5 in 2014. The acceleration in MMR further surged to 31.8 by 2021, reflecting a distressing trend.
Maternal Age Distribution’s Impact on MMR
Findings revealed that changes in maternal age distribution contributed to 36 percent of the overall MMR alteration between 2014 and 2019. From 2019 to 2021, age distribution accounted for 4 percent of the MMR changes. Notably, age-specific MMR escalated for the age groups 25 to 29 years and 30 to 34 years between 2014 and 2019. From 2019 to 2021, all age strata, except for the 15- to 19-year-old group, observed an increment in age-specific MMR.
Importance of Addressing Maternal Health Crisis
“It is critical that we understand the causes of these maternal deaths and take preventive measures, as most of them are avoidable,” stated Dr. Sadiya Khan, a coauthor of the study from Northwestern University. Dr. Khan emphasizes the need for not only state-level maternal mortality review committees, like the one present in Illinois, but also a robust national infrastructure and surveillance programs to investigate and tackle the root causes of the alarming maternal health crisis.
Conclusion
This study highlights the concerning increase in the U.S. maternal mortality rate since 2014, with a steep acceleration after 2019. The research signifies the impact of changing maternal age distribution on the MMR and emphasizes the necessity for improved national infrastructure and surveillance programs to comprehensively address the causes of maternal deaths. Efforts to combat the maternal health crisis are crucial to ensure the well-being of mothers and promote a healthier future generation.
