Pregnancy-Related Death

Every year, 30% of pregnant American women have problems before, during, or after delivery. These problems can lead to long-term health problems and sometimes, can lead to death. The main causes of pregnancy-related death are bleeding, sudden blockage in the lungs by a blood clot or amniotic fluid, and high blood pressure. African American women die in childbirth more frequently than other American women. They have a higher chance of having pregnancy-related high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and seizures from high blood pressure (eclampsia). Try to get your blood pressure checked regularly while you're pregnant. Researchers are continuing to look at the causes of racial and ethnic differences in pregnancy-related deaths.