Recent research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has unveiled disturbing statistics regarding stillbirths in the United States. The study, which defines stillbirth as occurring after 24 weeks and excludes cases involving congenital deformities, found that almost 25% of stillbirths in the U.S. are preventable. The leading cause identified was placental insufficiency, a condition where the placenta fails to sufficiently support the fetus.
Unfortunately, the situation appears to be deteriorating. The Huffington Post highlights that, over the past decade, the decline in stillbirth rates in the U.S. has stagnated, while other affluent nations like the UK and Denmark continue to see progress. Data from The Lancet indicates that the U.S. had a stillbirth rate of 3% in 2013, which, while lower than previous years, compares unfavorably to other countries such as Sweden and Spain, which reported rates of 2.8% and 2%, respectively.
The U.S. also grapples with the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world. Reports from NPR show that more American women die due to pregnancy-related complications than in any other developed country, with the number of maternal deaths on the rise. Alarmingly, only 6% of federal and state funding intended for “maternal and child health” is allocated for the health of mothers themselves. ProPublica has found that 60% of maternal deaths are preventable, highlighting a systemic neglect of maternal care in favor of focusing on the baby.
Access to adequate prenatal care remains a significant barrier, especially for low-income women who may lack the resources to attend appointments. According to ChildTrends, women without prenatal care face a higher risk of losing their child. Many women struggle with inadequate support, whether due to financial constraints, lack of childcare, or even immigration status. The process of obtaining Medicaid coverage can be daunting, often requiring completion of extensive paperwork and a lengthy waiting period, leaving many without necessary medical attention.
Placental insufficiency, the most common preventable cause of stillbirth, can be screened for, but current testing methods are inadequate, as noted by Dr. Mark Thompson, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center. He emphasizes the need for more precise screening techniques to identify placental issues effectively.
Maternal hypertension and diabetes are also significant contributors to preventable stillbirths, both of which can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Personal experiences, such as my own with gestational diabetes, illustrate how proper prenatal care can lead to positive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.
Moreover, disparities exist in stillbirth rates among different demographics. Black women face a stillbirth rate twice that of their white and Asian counterparts and are three times more likely to die during childbirth. This stark inequality in maternal health care reflects broader systemic issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
The good news is that there are actionable steps we can take. Dr. Thompson and his team advocate for improved detection methods for placental issues and advancements in maternal health care. However, these solutions require collaboration among various stakeholders and must also address the barriers faced by women outside the traditional healthcare system.
In summary, while it is essential to understand the reasons behind the high rate of preventable stillbirths, the pressing question remains: how do we prioritize and address these issues effectively to protect both mothers and their babies? For further insights into improving fertility and pregnancy outcomes, be sure to check out resources like Mount Sinai’s infertility resources and Boost Fertility Supplements.