USA

Covid Worsened a Health Crisis Among Pregnant Women

Pregnant women have been hit especially hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnancy-related deaths have increased by a staggering 40% since the start of the pandemic.

The CDC report, which looked at death certificates from 13 states, showed that the number of pregnancy-related deaths rose from 7.2 per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 10.1 in 2020. Pregnancy-related deaths include deaths during or within a year of pregnancy, regardless of the cause.

The report found that the biggest increase in deaths was among Black and Native American women, who experienced a 70% increase in pregnancy-related deaths in 2020 compared to 2019. African American women were three times more likely than white women to experience pregnancy-related deaths.

The report also noted that the increase in deaths was due to a combination of factors, including higher rates of underlying health conditions, a lack of access to healthcare, and delayed or skipped prenatal care due to fear of contracting Covid-19.

The findings of the report are deeply concerning and highlight the need for greater investment in the health of pregnant women. Many pregnant women have been unable to access the care they need due to the pandemic, and this has had a devastating effect on their health.

It is essential that pregnant women receive adequate care and support during the pandemic. Governments must ensure that pregnant women have access to healthcare and resources, and must prioritize public health initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing pregnancy-related deaths.

This crisis is a reminder of the importance of investing in the health of pregnant women. Without access to the care and support they need, pregnant women are at risk of suffering severe health complications that can lead to preventable deaths. The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened an already existing health crisis among pregnant women, and urgent action is needed to address this issue.