Study reveals a spike in severe pregnancy-related complications for all ages in Illinois
Rate of severe maternal morbidity rose from 1.4% to 2% between 2016 and 2023
November 21, 2024 | By Kristin Samuelson
A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals a troubling rise in severe maternal health issues and birth complications in Illinois from 2016 to 2023, closely linked to increases in chronic health conditions affecting pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, mental health disorders and especially obesity, which saw the largest increase in annual rates.
The study highlights significant racial and socioeconomic disparities, finding that non-Hispanic Black mothers faced more than double the rate of severe complications compared to non-Hispanic white mothers, and that living in high-poverty neighborhoods elevated maternal health risks across all racial groups.
âDespite significant recent statewide quality-improvement efforts, these birth outcomes are worsening for all ages, reflecting the worsening pre-pregnancy health of the reproductive-age population in Illinois,â said corresponding author Dr. Mugdha Mokashi, a resident physician in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGaw Medical Center at Northwestern.
The findings reflect national trends demonstrating the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions among pregnant people of all ages, she added. The study, published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology Open, provides the most updated data on maternal morbidity and delivery complications within the state of Illinois.
Comments