We associate pregnancy with happy times filled with laughter, showers and congratulatory cigars. But what happens when things go awry?
Not only do fatal pregnancy complications still exist, but they are also on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 18.5 mothers died for every 100,000 births in 2013, compared with 7.2 in 1987. In fact, the number of women in the U.S. who die in childbirth is nearing the highest rate in a quarter-century. The United States is among just eight countries, including Afghanistan and the Sudan, where the rates of dying as a result of pregnancy or childbirth are increasing.
These alarming statistics are creating a new awareness of pregnancy complications. While the chances of dying in pregnancy are slim, knowledge is power. Following are six pregnancy complications that can actually kill.
1. Cardiovascular Disease
It’s no secret that Western lifestyles are having an effect on cardiovascular health in general. But did you know that these statistics can play a role in death due to complications associated with pregnancy?
According to Medscape, “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death generally and the most common cause of death during pregnancy in industrialized countries.”
The first reason for this is related to lifestyle in general. High rates of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome have concurrently added to the population of pregnant women with acquired heart disease, including coronary artery disease.
Elise Turner, a nurse midwife and associate professor at Mississippi's Belhaven University, attributes obesity to many pregnancy complications, telling CNN it is a "tremendous piece" of the problem.
Couple obesity and its complications with the natural stresses that pregnancy puts on the body, and it's a recipe for disaster. “Physiologic changes occurring during pregnancy can stress a compromised cardiovascular system, resulting in maternal morbidity, mortality and compromised fetal outcomes,” according to Medscape.
So beware of cardiovascular issues during pregnancy. Make routine healthcare a priority and tell your doctor about any history of cardiovascular disease in both your own health and your family’s health in general.
2. Hemorrhage
We often hear about hemorrhaging on episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and reruns of ER. But we rarely think about how this affects pregnant women in real life.
Experts say that hemorrhaging occurs as a result of a massive amount of uncontrolled bleeding during childbirth. While many hemorrhages are treatable, a hemorrhage can become life-threatening if too much blood is lost. Specifically, this is the loss of more than a pint of blood.
According to Health Talk, “this can occur from 24 hours to six weeks following a birth.” Several factors can play a role in this condition. Health Talk says that these can include: an atonic uterus (where the womb does not contract naturally), trauma (like a rupture of the womb), a retained placenta (when the placenta is not delivered after the birth as it should be) and other problems with the placenta.
3. Sepsis
While sepsis was discussed more frequently years ago, it still exists. In fact, a relatively recent study conducted by the University of Michigan shows that sepsis is on the rise in the United States. And experts say sepsis kills and disables millions, more than breast cancer, lung cancer and stroke combined.
So just what is sepsis?
According to the Sepsis Alliance, “Sepsis is an illness that can develop in some pregnant women, as well as in women who have recently delivered a baby or babies. Sepsis that occurs during pregnancy is called maternal sepsis. If it develops within six weeks of delivery, it is called postpartum sepsis or puerperal sepsis. Sometimes called blood poisoning, sepsis is the body’s often deadly inflammatory response to infection.”
The Sepsis Alliance says that sepsis often occurs as a result of an infection. Therefore, it’s important to take and complete any antibiotics your doctor prescribes. Wash hands regularly and make sure that all health care professionals wash their hands before examinations. Further, get a flu vaccination and steer clear of people who are sick.
And remember that people with preexisting health conditions are at a greater risk of developing sepsis. So tell your doctor about any health conditions that you may have.
4. Thrombotic Pulmonary Embolism
A thrombotic pulmonary embolism is a blood clot, and pregnancy increases this risk.
According to the CDC, nearly 10 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States result from thrombotic pulmonary embolisms due to the elevated risk of the condition in pregnant women.
Mayo Clinic says that the signs of a pulmonary embolism can include: shortness of breath, chest pain and a cough that may be bloody. Swelling of the legs, a feeling that you may pass out, rapid heartbeat, a clammy or discolored skin color, sweating and fever are also symptoms.
If you do experience these symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately. Don’t chance it and put your life at further risk.
5. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is high blood pressure during pregnancy. Ten million women worldwide develop preeclampsia each year, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation. And about 76,000 pregnant women die each year from preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders.
Experts say that this condition can come on suddenly. Along with the obvious symptom of high blood pressure, symptoms can include headache, nausea or vomiting, abdominal or shoulder pain, swelling, lower back pain, changes in vision, shortness of breath, protein in the urine, sudden weight gain, anxiety and strong reflexes.
Regular healthcare can help detect preeclampsia. And if you do suspect symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
6. Tubal Pregnancies
“Ectopic pregnancy is the most common cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the first trimester of pregnancy,” according to ObGyn.net. More than 40 deaths occur annually in the U.S.
This equates to about 10 percent of deaths related to pregnancy. That said, this number is falling due to earlier diagnosis of tubal pregnancies and medical treatments.
African-American women are five times more likely to die of ectopic pregnancy than white women. The condition causes 20 percent of pregnancy-related deaths among black women, according to ObGyn.net.
The biggest reason for this is blood loss in general. In fact, this causes nearly 85 percent of deaths. And a wrong diagnosis can increase the risk of mortality.
So what causes a tubal pregnancy?
A tubal, or ectopic, pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. Implantation also can occur in the abdomen, ovary or cervix.
When a tubal pregnancy occurs, it is impossible for the fertilized egg to survive. And without medical treatment, massive blood loss is possible.
That’s why it needs to be addressed early, as painful as this sounds. Early on, an ectopic pregnancy may feel like a normal pregnancy. However, the warning signs may soon appear. According to the Mayo Clinic, these would be abdominal or pelvic pain or discomfort combined with light vaginal bleeding. Shoulder pain or the urge to have a bowel movement may be present. Further, you may feel faint, light-headed or go into shock. If you suspect a tubal pregnancy, see a doctor immediately. Don’t put this off.
It's important to be vigilant about your health and to take measures to get healthy before pregnancy to minimize the risks. Talk to your doctor about pregnancy and the risks.