Nursing

Maternal death rate has doubled in last decade

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, April 24, 2008

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Recent studies have noted the maternal death rate in the United States has doubled over the last 10 years, leading hospitals to examine the causes and risks of potentially fatal complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vital Statistics Report, the maternal death rate was 15 women per 100,000 live births (or 625 women) in 2005, which is double the 1996 rate of 7.5 deaths per 100,000 live births. Research has looked at associative causes of maternal death and has indicated that pregnant and postpartum women are at higher risk for homicide, suicide, and domestic violence.

Additionally, obesity, older age, and cesarean delivery were said to increase the risk for complications during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum stage. Nurses can minimize risks and optimize the pregnancy by discussing potential problem areas with patients and helping patients to control health issues.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nurse.com

Other articles of interest:

CDC updates and expands isolation precautions

Study: top hospitals increase patient survival



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