Maternal Mortality Rates
The rate of maternal mortality in the US is 2x to 3x greater compared to other high-income countries.
Mental illness and addiction are underappreciated contributors to these numbers. In fact, these conditions are the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the US.
Here are the most common causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the US:
- Mental health conditions - 23%
- Hemorrhage - 14%
- Cardiac conditions - 13%
- Infection - 9%
- Thrombotic embolism - 9%
- Cardiomyopathy - 9%
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy - 7%
- All others account for s a replication of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) program, MCPAP for Moms.
