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What's Causing Maternal Mortality in U.S. Hospitals?

The Scope of the Problem

The maternal mortality rate is defined by the CDC as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 1 year of the end of pregnancy.

The pregnancy-related death rate has risen in the United States from 7.2 deaths per 100,000 births in 1987 to 16.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016.

There is an increasing number of pregnant women in the United States with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease which put women at risk of pregnancy complications including hemorrhage, stroke and serious cardiac conditions which can be fatal.

For these reasons, it is important for mothers to obtain early and consistent prenatal care. Healthcare providers must monitor the health of both the mother and the baby closely to avoid complications that could seriously harm the mother or baby to reduce the risk of pregnancy-related deaths.

How to Fix It

One way experts say this issue may be alleviated is by giving medical professionals checklists to follow, similar to those of airline pilots or other occupations that take other peoples’ lives into their own hands. These checklists would make sure that medical professionals are taking all the necessary steps to affirm the safety of mothers and babies.

Experts suggest that hospitals undertake evidence-based best practices, such as the aforementioned checklists, in order to protect babies and mothers from serious injuries and even death.

If you or your child endured an injury during childbirth, you may be entitled to receive compensation. At The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, we seek justice for families who have been wronged due to someone else’s negligence. Don’t allow your family to suffer needlessly because of medical negligence. Contact our firm right away to learn how you can receive justice for the pain you’ve braved.

Call The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston today at (410) 220-6581 to speak with an attorney about your Maryland birth injury case.

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