Maternal morbidity—health complications during and after pregnancy—remains a pressing issue globally, affecting millions of women each year. Despite global strides in reducing maternal fatalities, new findings suggest that severe pregnancy-related complications are on the rise, highlighting critical public health gaps.
A Disturbing Trend in Illinois
A recent study from Northwestern Medicine uncovered a worrying increase in severe maternal morbidity in Illinois. Between 2016 and 2023, the rate climbed from 1.4% to 2% among pregnant people. The rise aligns with greater prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, mental health disorders—and notably, obesity, which saw the sharpest increase among risk factors. Disparities persist: non-Hispanic Black mothers faced more than twice the rate of severe complications compared to non-Hispanic White mothers, with higher impacts in low-income neighborhoods Northwestern NowScienceDaily.
Why Maternal Morbidity Matters Globally
This local data reflects a broader issue: while maternal mortality has declined globally—from 328 to 197 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2000 to 2023—progress has recently slowed. Aid cuts and resource constraints threaten further setbacks, particularly in environments already lacking quality maternal care, putting women in impoverished or humanitarian contexts at higher risk World Health Organization.
Key Drivers of Maternal Morbidity
The WHO highlights leading causes of maternal death, many of which also drive morbidity: hemorrhage (about 27% of cases), hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia (16%), infections, and complications from unsafe abortions or pre-existing disease. A significant 23% of pregnancy-related mortality stems from underlying health conditions like HIV/AIDS, malaria, anemia, and diabetes—often undiagnosed until complications arise World Health Organization.
Spotlight on Preeclampsia
A study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. It found that pregnant individuals with preeclampsia—particularly those with preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension—had nearly a fivefold increased risk of severe maternal morbidity compared to normotensive individuals. Even gestational hypertension without preeclampsia raised the risk substantially Medical Dialogues.
The Bigger Picture: Accessibility and Equity
In the U.S., maternal health disparities are exacerbated by “maternity care deserts”—over one-third of counties lack hospitals, birth centers, or obstetric providers. These gaps are linked to elevated maternal mortality and morbidity, particularly among marginalized groups Wikipedia.
Data also reveals that for delivery-related hospitalizations across the U.S. from 2008 to 2021, while in-hospital maternal mortality has dropped, severe maternal morbidity has increased—from 146.8 to 179.8 cases per 10,000 discharges JAMA Network.
Why This Matters—and What Can Be Done
- Chronic conditions matter: Obesity, hypertension, and gestational diabetes are not minor concerns—they significantly elevate risks, indicating a need for intensified preconception and prenatal care.
- Equity is urgent: Black expectant mothers and those in underserved areas bear the brunt of these rising complications, demanding targeted policies and better healthcare access.
- Early detection saves lives: Improving screening for conditions like preeclampsia and providing rapid, standardized interventions can reduce severe outcomes.
- Investing in systems works: Strengthening maternal health infrastructure, especially in resource-poor settings, remains crucial to reversing trends.
Final Thoughts
Maternal morbidity is more than a statistic—it represents real lives and futures altered by preventable complications. The recent surge in severe pregnancy-related complications in places like Illinois is a stark reminder that progress is fragile. Yet the solutions—improved screening, equitable access, and focused care—are within reach. If acted upon, we can ensure safer birth and postpartum journeys for all mothers.