Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

African American pregnant woman with shoulder length hair wearing a yellow long sleeve shirt and gray leggings is holding her baby bump facing to the right. She looks to be in baby's room with gray curtains and lots of natural light behind her

From 2018 to 2019, maternal deaths considered pregnancy-related increased in South Carolina. The state’s Pregnancy-Related Mortality Ratio for 2019 was 38.6 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births. In SC, the mortality rate while pregnant or postpartum for non-Hispanic Black women is nearly 2x the rate for non-Hispanic White women.
The top 3 underlying causes of maternal deaths for 2018 and 2019 in SC:

  1. cardiomyopathy
  2. mental health conditions
  3. hemorrhage

Over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. SCDHEC’s Bureau of Maternal and Child Health is supporting the CDC’s Hear Her Campaign to educate women, families, and health care professionals about the warning signs for life-threatening complications associated with pregnancy.

Pregnant and Recently Pregnant Women

It’s just as important to monitor your health after your baby is born as it is in the 9 months of pregnancy. Remember, you know your body better than anyone else. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up! Problems associated with pregnancy can happen up to one year after delivery. These include high blood pressure, hemorrhage, cardiovascular conditions, infection, blood clots, and mental health conditions. Visit CDC.gov/HearHer for more information about maternal health warning signs.

CDC - Maternal Warning Signs Poster

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Partners, Families, and Friends

Individuals in the new parent’s support system should be aware of life-threatening signs and symptoms that are associated with pregnancy-related deaths.

  • The best way you can support a pregnant or new mom is to be open, sympathetic and listen to their concerns.
  • Being a new parent is challenging and parents often put their newborn’s health before their own health. If you are close with someone who is pregnant or was recently pregnant, get to know the CDC Hear Her’s Urgent Warning Signs and be aware of any changes in the new mom’s health.

Healthcare Providers

All women of child-bearing age should be asked “were you recently pregnant” or “did you recently give birth” when they have a doctor visit or go to the hospital. Often, signs and symptoms associated with pregnancy or postpartum complications can be ignored or dismissed, leading to potentially life-threatening risks for a new mom. Listening can be your most important tool.

In SC, discrimination was a contributing factor for over half of the pregnancy-related deaths in 2018-2019.  There are several resources and tools available from the CDC to help health care professionals address and eliminate bias and prejudices in their practices.

Discrimination in health care settings can result in inequity in care, delay clinical communication, and shared decision-making. Women of color should receive equitable and comprehensive care during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Interpretive services should be utilized when caring for patients when English is not their primary language.