Article Abstract:
The causes of 67 maternal deaths in North Carolina from 1981 to 1985 were compared to those of the 3,780 such deaths recorded in the state since 1946. Over the 40-year period, the total mortality rate during maternity decreased 95 percent. There were no deaths from pregnancy-related infections. Deaths as a result of toxemia, high blood pressure and associated swelling, has been lowered. The death rates from hemorrhage (excessive bleeding), embolism (clot formation), and anesthesia have remained the same. Despite a reduction in death from hemorrhage due to other causes, the number of deaths due to hemorrhage from ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg is implanted outside of the uterus, has remained fairly stable, so that now such deaths constitute 70 percent of the maternal deaths from hemorrhage. The death rate of mothers after 20 weeks of pregnancy is 10 times higher than that caused by abortions. The death rate of nonwhites is higher than in whites. Although the death rates have been improved, the differences found in whites and non-whites needs to be examined. This report includes comparative analyses of the data from North Carolina in light of results from the South Atlantic region and the United States as a whole.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to identify specific risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of failed operative vaginal delivery. Optimal selection of the initial delivery method for a woman in the second stage of labor will potentially reduce the combined maternal and fetal morbidity of a second operative procedure.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The risk of maternal death associated with various outcomes using national statistics for 1991 to 1999, is estimated. Results suggest that abortion, legal and spontaneous, was associated with the lowest risk, live birth intermediate risk, and ectopic pregnancy and fetal death the highest risk.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: