Recent data indicates an increase in mortality among women in the United Kingdom during pregnancy or in the 6 weeks post pregnancy. The findings were published in a new report from the University of Oxford's National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, titled 'Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care'.
According to the report, there were 225 deaths in women from direct and indirect causes during 2014-2016 compared with 202 deaths during 2013-2015. In comparison to white women, the mortality risk was 5-fold higher for black women and 2-fold higher Asian women. The mortality risk was 3-fold higher for women aged ≥40 years than that for women in their early 20s.
According to the authors, it is crucial to consider the benefits as well as risks of initiating or continuing medications to treat physical and mental health conditions during pregnancy. Risk for blood clots during pregnancy remains particularly high among overweight and obese women. Cancer is usually uncommon during pregnancy, but women and their healthcare practitioners should remain aware that it could happen. It is also essential to remain vigilant about abnormal symptoms during pregnancy such as severe or recurrent pain.
Professor Marian Knight from the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit said: "Women and their families should be reassured that the number of women dying as a consequence of complications during or after pregnancy remains low in the UK. However, preventive treatments such as vaccination, or continuing medication in pregnancy, may be essential to keep healthy, particularly for women with known physical and mental health conditions."
